Concerns Raised as National Public Data Resurfaces
More than a year ago, National Public Data (NPD) made headlines for one of the largest data breaches in history, exposing around 3 billion personal details. After a period of absence from the internet, the site has re-emerged under new ownership, which brings renewed concerns over privacy.
Ownership of Public Data
The NPD is now owned by Perfect Privacy LLC. Despite the seemingly protective name, it’s important to note that this company is unrelated to any VPN services of the same name. Interestingly, the core business model remains unchanged, allowing users to search for personal data on friends, family, or just about anyone using only their name.
While NPD includes a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) disclaimer, it offers no safeguards against the potential misuse of its data for employment or credit decisions.
Questions of Accuracy and Sources
NPD claims the data originates from public records, ownership databases, social media, and various government agencies, assuring users that they filter and verify this information for accuracy. However, many users might still find inaccuracies in their profiles.
A quick search revealed a mix of outdated and accurate information. In some instances, the site struggled with hyphenated names, while it correctly pulled up other details. Attempts to reach NPD for comments went unanswered.
Opting Out of NPD
If you’re concerned about your data being available on NPD, you can request its removal. The steps include:
- Searching for your name on nationalpublicdata.com.
- Opening your profile and copying the URL.
- Visiting nationalpublicdata.com/optout.html.
- Pasting the URL into the designated field.
- Entering your email address to confirm the deletion.
Keep in mind that each profile requires a separate request. After submitting, it’s wise to check back in a few days to ensure your information has been removed.
Tip: Consider using a disposable email address for tracking these requests while keeping your primary inbox clear.
The Bigger Picture
Removing data from NPD is just the tip of the iceberg. Numerous other sites may still display your personal information, often pulling from the same public databases. This means your address, phone number, and even names of relatives might still be accessible elsewhere.
1) Regular Searches
You should routinely search for your name across various people-search engines—not just NPD. Consider exploring sites like White Pages, Spokeo, and Radaris. Regular checks can help identify new profiles before they expand further.
2) Personal Data Removal Services
Using a data removal service can save you time by scanning multiple databases at once. Though these services can be costly, they help significantly in managing your online privacy. They monitor data listings and take steps to remove your information, providing a greater sense of security.
3) Account Monitoring and Antivirus Software
Protecting your privacy goes beyond just deleting profiles online. Monitor your bank statements and credit reports closely. Criminals often exploit exposed information for various scams. Get reliable antivirus software for your devices to shield against potential threats and phishing attempts.
4) Set Identity Alerts
Consider setting up alerts through your bank or credit monitoring services for any suspicious activity. This can help prevent fraud by ensuring additional verification steps for new credit applications.
5) Control Source Data
Since data brokers often use government records, check your local property, court, or voter registration files to request edits or removal.
6) Tighten Social Media Privacy
Since sites like NPD harvest data from social media, it’s crucial to adjust your privacy settings. The less personal information you share publicly, the less likely it will end up in these databases.
Key Takeaways
The return of public national data underscores that personal information can resurface at any time. Even if you remove your details from one platform, others might retain them. Therefore, to genuinely safeguard your privacy, a multi-faceted approach is necessary—regular checks, proactive measures, and robust monitoring can help mitigate risks.
