A year later, new security threats have gained traction. While artificial intelligence has transformed the ability to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to cyberattacks, the malicious use of AI has also exploited new vulnerabilities. As AI systems evolve, so does the sophistication and scope of cyberattacks. In the hands of bad actors, AI capabilities have increased the scale and efficiency of attacks, including identity theft, fraud, and data privacy violations, according to a 2025 World Economic Forum report on AI and cybersecurity.
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In the financial sector, for instance, deploying a form of algorithmic manipulation known as data poisoning to increasingly sophisticated machine learning models could significantly impact AI. That, in turn, can lead to biased or harmful results, undermining fraud detection or credit scoring models.
Heimdal analyzed resources from the Federal Trade Commission and the three credit bureaus to compile tips on how to secure your identity in the aftermath of last year's unprecedented data breach and prepare for potential threats in the future.
The group taking credit for the breach targeting NPD calls itself USDoD, a moniker that mirrors the name of the federal government agency responsible for the country's security. The group reportedly sold the vast trove of user data on the dark web for $3.5 million.
In a letter to the owner of Jerico Pictures Inc., which does business as National Public Data, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability said the attack "likely represents one of the largest cyberattacks ever in terms of impacted individuals." The letter was sent to request a hearing and alert the owner to the committee's investigation of the security event, alleging that the company failed to notify consumers of the breach in a timely and detailed manner.
The breach is concerning not only because of its possible scope but also because of the information compromised, which includes Social Security numbers.
A Social Security number can be used to steal someone else's identity. This allows criminals to fraudulently open new lines of credit, apply for loans, and even receive government benefits, which happened during the COVID-19 pandemic when states were providing additional unemployment pay.
If you don't already pay for an identity theft monitoring service, you can still take advantage of free tools offered by the main credit bureaus to prevent criminals from defrauding you.
The process is called freezing your credit. While it is the most secure option to prevent fraud, industry surveys estimate that only a small percentage of Americans use the service. Depending on the scope and circumstances, consumers could benefit from freezing their credit after a major data breach. Read on to learn more about how to protect your information and set up a credit freeze.
