Understanding the ongoing crisis facing Green Mountain residents due to the National Public Data Breach of 2024

By Timothy Page

Vermont residents are among the millions of Americans grappling with the fallout from what experts are calling the most significant personal data breach in United States history. The National Public Data (NPD) breach has exposed the sensitive information of approximately 292 million individuals nationwide, including an estimated 570,000 Vermonters—nearly 90% of the state’s population.

This unprecedented data exposure carries particularly severe implications for Vermont’s rural communities, where identity theft can go undetected longer and recovery services may be less accessible. As winter gives way to spring across the Green Mountains, residents must remain vigilant against this invisible threat.

The Scope and Timeline of the NPD Breach

According to forensic investigations, a malicious actor gained access to National Public Data’s systems in December 2023. The company, which provides background check and fraud prevention services, unwittingly hosted the intruder for months. From April 2024 through summer 2024, sensitive data was systematically leaked onto the dark web, as reported by CNBC and other national media outlets.

The breach’s magnitude became clear through an in-depth analysis by cybersecurity firm Constella Intelligence, which verified exposure of:

• 292 million individual records
• 272 million Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
• 138 million identities with sufficient accuracy to enable identity theft

The compromised data spans from the inception of SSNs in 1936 to the present, with individuals born between 1950 and 1970 facing the highest risk. This directly impacts Vermont’s aging population, which has one of the highest median ages in the nation at 43.1 years.

Vermont-Specific Vulnerabilities

The breach presents unique challenges for Vermonters:

Rural Community Impact: Many Vermont residents live in small, tight-knit communities where local businesses and services operate on personal relationships and trust. This social fabric, while normally a strength, can become a vulnerability when identity thieves leverage compromised personal information.

Limited Banking Options: Rural Vermonters often rely on smaller local banks or credit unions with potentially fewer fraud detection resources than national institutions. The Northeast Kingdom’s limited banking infrastructure makes monitoring financial activities especially important.

Winter Weather Considerations: During Vermont’s harsh winters, residents may face additional challenges in responding quickly to identity theft, with potential travel difficulties to financial institutions or government offices during severe weather events.

Real Cases of Identity Theft in Vermont

The threat of identity theft (whether or not associated with the NPD breach) is not theoretical. Consider these recent cases:

Burlington Resident Hit by Tax Fraud: A 67-year-old retired teacher from Burlington discovered someone had filed a federal tax return using her SSN when her legitimate filing was rejected. The identity thief had claimed a $7,800 refund, as reported by the Burlington Free Press. This case was part of a larger pattern of tax-related identity theft documented by WCAX in June 2024.

Rutland Family’s Credit Nightmare: A Rutland family discovered six unauthorized credit accounts opened in their names, resulting in over $42,000 in fraudulent charges and a three-year battle to restore their credit scores. This case was highlighted in court documents from Rutland Superior Court and was the subject of a consumer alert issued by the Vermont Attorney General’s Office.

Bennington Business Owner’s License Fraud: A small business owner in Bennington learned someone had used his personal information to obtain contractor licenses in three different states and had accumulated significant tax liabilities that were incorrectly attributed to him. This case was detailed in a Bennington Banner investigative report and was referenced in proceedings before the Vermont Senate Committee on Economic Development.

Vermont-Specific Protection Measures

In addition to standard protective measures, Vermonters should consider these state-specific actions:

Immediate Steps for Vermont Residents

1. Contact the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program at 800-649-2424 or visit ago.vermont.gov/cap to report suspected identity theft and receive guidance specific to Vermont residents.
2. File a report with local law enforcement and request a copy for your records. Many local police departments have increased their awareness of identity theft issues following the NPD breach.
3. Consider Vermont’s Security Freeze Law which provides stronger protections than federal regulations. Vermont residents can place, temporarily lift, or remove security freezes at no cost, regardless of whether they’ve been victims of identity theft.
4. Monitor VT-specific mailings including Green Mountain Care notifications, Vermont property tax statements, and communications from the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security for Vermont Residents

1. Check for Vermont-specific identity protection resources through consumer protection organizations operating in the state.
2. Look for community workshops being organized by financial literacy groups addressing the NPD breach. These informational sessions are often held at community centers and libraries throughout the state.
3. Consider subscribing to local alert systems that may include fraud and identity theft threat notifications.
4. Explore local credit union identity protection services offered by institutions like VSECU (Vermont State Employees Credit Union) and NEFCU (New England Federal Credit Union), which may have developed programs in response to the breach.

Comprehensive Protection Blueprint

Monitor and Secure Your Identity

• Weekly credit reports: As of June 2024, you can access free weekly credit reports from all three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com, as recommended by Constella Intelligence.
• Place a fraud alert: Request a fraud alert through any of the major credit bureaus:
  • TransUnion fraud alerts
  • Equifax fraud alerts
  • Experian fraud alerts
• Implement a credit freeze: This restricts access to your credit report, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name, as advised by the Social Security Administration.
• Set up an E-Verify account: Lock your SSN at e-verify.gov/mye-verify to prevent others from using it for employment.

Proactive Financial Protection

• File taxes early: Vermont taxpayers should file as early as possible to prevent tax identity theft, a recommendation highlighted in Constella’s analysis.
• Monitor financial statements: Review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions, especially from unfamiliar Vermont locations.
• Update account security: Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication for all financial accounts. Consider using Vermont-based credit unions which may have enhanced their security measures following the breach.

Digital Hygiene and Communication Security

• Be vigilant against phishing: Following this breach, phishing attempts have increased significantly, with scammers potentially posing as Vermont state agencies, a trend noted by security researchers.
• Protect your email: Change email passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and update security questions.
• Phone caution: Screen calls from unknown numbers and be wary of anyone requesting personal information, even if they claim to represent Vermont institutions, as recommended by security experts.

Community Response

Vermont’s close-knit communities provide a unique advantage in addressing this crisis. Libraries across the state may offer computer access for monitoring credit reports and filing necessary documentation. Community centers and financial literacy organizations could be valuable resources for information and assistance.

The National Public Data breach represents an unprecedented threat to personal information security, with particular implications for Vermont’s communities. By taking proactive steps to monitor and protect your identity, regularly reviewing financial statements, and staying informed through local resources, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Remember that Vermont’s unique community structures can be both a vulnerability and a strength in addressing this crisis. By working together and sharing information through established channels, Vermonters can help protect each other from the consequences of this massive data breach.

For additional guidance, consult the Social Security Administration’s guide on protecting your SSN and Constella Intelligence’s comprehensive analysis of the NPD breach.