How to Protect Your Data in Light of the National Public Data Breach

How to Protect Your Data in Light of the National Public Data Breach

With the recent National Public Data (NPD) breach, millions—if not billions—of individuals’ personal information, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses, have been compromised. As a member of OUCU Financial, it’s important to stay vigilant and know what steps to take if your information is part of the breach. This guide will help you check if your data is at risk and provide essential steps to protect your identity.
 

What Happened in the NPD Breach?
The NPD breach has resulted in the theft of 2.7 billion records, impacting countless individuals. The stolen information includes Social Security numbers and other sensitive personal data that could be used for identity theft. While OUCU Financial was not part of this breach, we are here to support you and provide resources to safeguard your data.

How to Check if Your Data Was Exposed

1. National Public Data Breach Check: Concerned your social security number, date of birth, and other sensitive information may be in the NPA Breach? Use the NPD Website to check and see results instantly. https://npd.pentester.com/
2. Dark Web Monitoring with ID Navigator: OUCU Financial members with a Visa® credit card can enroll in ID Navigator by Norton LifeLock. This service monitors the dark web for your personal information, alerting you if your data appears in suspicious places. Sign up today for peace of mind!
3. Monitor Your Credit Reports: Start by requesting a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). You can request one free report from each bureau once per year via AnnualCreditReport.com
4. Look for Suspicious Activity: Review your financial accounts and credit reports carefully. If you see unfamiliar transactions or accounts, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Contact us immediately if anything appears out of the ordinary on your OUCU accounts.
    

Steps to Take If Your Data Is At Risk

1. Place a Fraud Alert: Contact any of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your file. This will make it harder for criminals to open new accounts in your name.
2. Freeze Your Credit: A credit freeze prevents lenders from accessing your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. This can be done by contacting each credit bureau directly.
3. Report Fraudulent Activity: If you find any suspicious activity, notify your financial institution immediately and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via their identity theft website.
4. File a Police Report: Identity theft is a crime. Filing a police report can help you resolve disputes with creditors and other institutions if your identity is stolen.
5. Notify the IRS: In some cases, stolen personal information can be used to file fraudulent tax returns. Submit IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) if you believe your information may have been compromised.
    

Why Protecting Your Data Matters
Identity theft can have a lasting impact on your financial health. From damaged credit scores to fraudulent loans, the consequences of having your data stolen are significant. At OUCU Financial, we encourage all our members to take steps to protect themselves from identity theft.
 

By signing up for services like ID Navigator by Norton LifeLock, you can actively monitor for threats and take action before criminals do serious harm.

Enroll in SavvyMoney inside OUCU Online and Mobile Banking. Routinely reviewing your credit report is a must now more than ever. Monitoring your credit report can increase your awareness of changes to your credit file, help protect you from identity theft, and stay on top of suspicious or fraudulent transactions in your name.
 

We're Here to Help
OUCU Financial is committed to helping our members safeguard their personal information. If you have questions or need assistance with any of these steps, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you, not only with your financial needs but also with tools to protect your identity.