National Public Data, an online background check and fraud prevention service, has resumed operations following a data breach in December 2023. This breach accessed Social Security records spanning nearly three decades, impacting hundreds of millions of records, including Social Security numbers, full names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers.
In 2024, National Public Data disclosed that a malicious actor had gained unauthorized access to its systems in December 2023. The compromised information was subsequently accessible on the web’s black market for several months. The company’s disclosure of the data breach details to the public occurred at a later stage, following the initial compromise. The exposed data necessitated immediate actions from affected individuals, such as freezing credit and implementing measures against potential identity theft.
The site ceased operations last year in the aftermath of the security incident. However, National Public Data is now active again in the personal information sector. PC Mag reported that the domain has been reactivated and is operating under a new, undisclosed owner. The platform functions as a people search engine, and it appears to continue storing personal data, which is reportedly sourced from publicly available information, including federal databases.
The updated National Public Data website features a statement on its homepage addressing the 2023 breach, accessible via a link located at the bottom of the page. The site’s FAQ section includes a declaration regarding data security measures. It states, “The security of our users’ data is the most important factor for us. That’s why we protect it by implementing robust encryption protocols, regularly updating our security systems, and complying with all relevant data protection regulations.”
To prevent personal information from being displayed on the site, individuals must submit a request. This process involves completing the company’s Opt Out Form. Prior to filling out the form, users are required to locate and copy the specific link to their personal data profile directly from the National Public Data website. Methods for data removal from search sites like Google or through personal data removal services are also available.
