National Public Data, a company that collects personal information from public records to create background checks, was hacked and the data was released on the web.  This breach has affected nearly 3 billion individuals and leaked information includes: names, addresses, Social Security numbers, financial information, medical records, and driver's license details.  The consequences of such a breach can be severe, including identity theft, financial fraud, and emotional distress.

Use the site https://npd.pentester.com/ to see if your information has been leaked.  Provide your first and last name, state, and birth year.  Most dates are in the format DD-MM-YY.

While it may not be possible to completely prevent data breaches, there are steps individuals can take to minimize their risk and protect their personal information.

1.    Be cautious about sharing personal information online.
2.    Understand privacy rights and how to protect them.
3.    Regularly monitor credit reports for unauthorized activity.
4.    Consider a credit freeze to prevent unauthorized access to credit reports.  
  

Following is the contact information for the three major credit bureaus:
•    Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
•    Experian: 1-888-397-3742
•    TransUnion: 1-800-888-0003
When freezing credit, be certain to retain the supplied confirmation number for access and reversal.

By following these steps, individuals can significantly reduce their vulnerability to data breaches and protect their personal information.