National Public Data Breach

ECU Credit Union is working to keep our members safe and informed. Recently the news broke that last December (2023), a massive National Public Data breach has been reported. This breach was believed to involve a third-party and led to the exposure of approximately 2.9 billion records, with potential leaks of certain data in April 2024 and summer 2024. This information was subsequently put up for sale on the dark web.

CNET's Bree Fowler explains, cyberattacks happen when hackers take to online accounts with combinations of usernames and passwords that are often stolen in previous data breaches and use them to break into as many accounts as they can. That strategy is reason enough to protect your passwords and use passkeys whenever possible.

What Information Was Compromised?

The compromised data includes sensitive personal information such as:

• Names
• Social Security numbers
• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• Email addresses (in some cases)

While you can't stop the theft, you can watch your credit reports and financial accounts for unexpected activity to see if your Social Security number and other personal information is being used.

Here are some steps you can take to protect your Social Security number and other personal information. If you suspect your information might have been compromised, consider taking the following steps:

1. Freeze Your Credit: This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
2. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity.
3. Change Passwords: Update your passwords, especially if you use the same ones across multiple sites.
4. Use Identity Theft Protection and Dark Web Monitoring Services: These services can help monitor and protect your identity.

Protecting your personal information online is crucial. Here are some effective strategies to help you stay safe:

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

• Create complex passwords: Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid using the same password across multiple sites.
• Consider a password manager: They can help you generate and store strong passwords securely.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Add an extra layer of security: Use 2FA wherever possible. This typically involves receiving a code on your phone or email that you must enter in addition to your password. This code should never be given to anyone.

3. Be Cautious with Personal Information

• Limit sharing: Only provide personal information when absolutely necessary.
• Check privacy settings: Adjust the privacy settings on social media and other online accounts to control who can see your information.

4. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

• Check bank and credit card statements: Look for any unauthorized transactions.
• Use credit monitoring services: ECU Credit Union’s Preferred Checking account offers Monitoring, Alerts, & Theft Recovery Services all in one place.
• Credit Score: Our online banking and mobile app provides you with safe and easy access to your credit score and report anytime and anywhere – our FREE easy-to-use service.

5. Be Wary of Phishing Scams

• Don’t click on suspicious links: Be cautious of emails or messages from unknown sources.
• Verify the sender: If an email looks suspicious, contact the sender directly using a known, trusted method.

6. Keep Your Software Updated

• Install updates promptly: Ensure your operating system, browsers, and apps are up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Use antivirus software: Programs like Norton or McAfee can help detect and remove malware.

7. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

• Use a strong password: Ensure your home Wi-Fi network is protected with a strong password.
• Enable network encryption: Use WPA3 encryption if available.

8. Backup Your Data

• Regular backups: Keep copies of important data on an external drive or cloud storage service.
• Use encrypted backups: Ensure your backups are encrypted for added security.

9. Be Mindful of Public Wi-Fi

• Avoid accessing sensitive information: Don’t log into banking or other sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
• Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help secure your connection on public networks.

10. Educate Yourself

• Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest security threats and best practices.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your personal information being compromised online. If you have any specific concerns or need further advice, feel free to contact ECU Credit Union!

What is National Public Data doing in response to the data theft?

In a statement on the security breach, the company said it is cooperating with law enforcement and governmental investigators and conducting a review of the potentially affected records. For those who had their information stolen, the company said, "it will try to notify you if there are further significant developments applicable to you" and recommends you closely monitor your financial accounts for unauthorized activity.

• Monitor your credit reports: To spot identity theft, request one free credit report a year from each of the three major credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- and look for unfamiliar activity, such as a new account you didn't open. Watch your credit card and bank statements too for unexpected charges and payments.
  • ECU Credit Union’s online banking and mobile app provide you with safe and easy access to your credit score and report anytime and anywhere. This is a FREE easy-to-use service offered to our members and you are not limited to viewing your credit report once a year.
• Sign up for a credit monitoring service. A credit monitoring service can constantly monitor your credit report on major credit bureaus and alert you when it detects unusual activity. ECU Credit Union’s Preferred Checking account offers Monitoring, Alerts, & Theft Recovery Services all in one place.

To keep your personal information safe, always check your bank statements and credit statements regularly to address any issues as soon as they pop up. Enable two-factor authentication on your passwords to protect your private information on websites and apps. And verify the source of your notices -- whether they're phone calls or emails.

Remember: The Social Security Administration said in general it will only call you if you requested a call. If you believe you've received a scam call or email, don't give the person any personal information.

How else could my personal data get stolen?

Theft happens everywhere, all the time. People will steal wallets and bags or go through mail in search of personal bank or credit card information. The Social Security Administration warns that people rummaging through trash outside of homes or businesses in search of critical information is another way identity theft takes place, along with people buying personal information from insider sources.

There's also the risk of receiving phone calls, texts or emails from seemingly official sources who are actually fraudsters looking to trick you into revealing information.

ECU Credit Union employees will NEVER ask for verification codes or passwords. Do not send account numbers or passwords through email or chats unless you are sure it is secure. Report suspicious activity to 727-471-1330.