Cybersecurity has become a critical issue for businesses of all sizes, especially for small and medium-sized businesses in Michiana. In September 2024, a data breach at National Public Data compromised the personal records of millions, including Social Security numbers, addresses, and phone numbers. If your business depends on IT support in Michiana or managed IT services, it’s important to understand how this breach could impact your operations.
What Happened?
National Public Data, a major consumer data broker, was the target of a significant cybersecurity breach. This company provides background checks and criminal records to organizations ranging from HR departments to government agencies. The breach, which began in December 2023, resulted in personal information being posted online by April 2024. By August, this sensitive data had been released for free on several forums.
The leaked data included names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, Social Security numbers, and even prior addresses or alternate names. While official reports claim that 1.3 million records were affected, some experts estimate that up to 2.9 billion records may have been exposed.
Why Businesses in Michiana Should Prioritize Cybersecurity
Even if your business has never interacted with National Public Data, there’s a strong chance your personal or customer information was included in the breach. This is especially concerning for small businesses in Michiana that rely on managed IT services to handle their data security. Third parties such as landlords, staffing agencies, or HR departments may have used National Public Data’s services to gather information about your business.
Having critical information like Social Security numbers, addresses, and phone numbers all in one place makes it easier for cybercriminals to commit identity theft, fraud, or unauthorized access to accounts. As a Michiana business owner, partnering with a reliable cybersecurity provider can help protect your assets and customer trust.
How Managed IT Services Can Safeguard Your Business
If you’re running a small business in Michiana, utilizing IT support services and taking cybersecurity seriously should be at the forefront of your operations. Here’s how you can safeguard your business:
Step 1: Check If Your Data Has Been Compromised
Use tools like https://npd.pentester.com to see if your personal or business information was part of the breach. If it was, take immediate steps to protect your identity and secure your business data.
Step 2: Freeze Your Credit and Monitor Your Reports
After verifying whether your information has been compromised, freezing your credit is an essential next step. Contact Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian to freeze your credit and prevent new lines of credit from being opened in your name.
For Michiana businesses relying on IT support, implementing continuous monitoring for security breaches is crucial. Managed IT services can help keep an eye on your credit activity and overall cybersecurity health.
Step 3: Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Scams
With this much personal information now exposed, phishing and smishing (phishing via SMS) scams are expected to rise. Be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails, texts, or calls. As a business owner, ensure that your team is trained to recognize these scams and avoid falling victim to them.
If your business uses IT support services in Michiana, your managed IT provider can help by offering phishing detection tools and training your staff on best cybersecurity practices.
Why Michiana Businesses Need Strong Cybersecurity Measures
Whether you’re a small business or a growing company, cyber threats don’t discriminate based on size. Cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerabilities, and this breach is a clear reminder of how critical cybersecurity is for Michiana businesses.
Having robust IT support in Michiana can mean the difference between staying safe and falling victim to a costly data breach. If you’re unsure about the security of your network or whether your information has been compromised, it’s time to take action.
We’re offering a FREE Security Risk Assessment to businesses in Michiana. This in-depth review of your network will help uncover potential risks and provide a blueprint for securing your business. Whether you’re looking for managed IT services or just want to ensure your existing cybersecurity measures are up to date, we’ve got you covered.
To schedule your FREE Security Risk Assessment, call our office at 574-264-3065 or click here. Our experts in IT support, managed IT services, and cybersecurity for Michiana businesses will help safeguard your operations and ensure you’re protected.
