Missouri – Attorney General Andrew Bailey started an extensive investigation following a significant data hack at background check company National Public Data. Reportedly involving the theft of personal data like Social Security numbers and birthdays of millions of Americans, the news about the potenital hack first surfaced last week.
One of the biggest in recent history, the April hack might compromise up to 2.7 billion personal records. Claiming to have access to every American’s personal information, hackers behind the hack cause significant privacy and security issues that bother Americans countrywide.
Attorney General Bailey has expressed his commitment to protecting the rights of consumers in Missouri, especially in cases where personal information may have been compromised.
“I will always fight for Missouri consumers, especially if their personal information was stolen by bad actors,” said Bailey via a news release.
The focus of the investigation is to determine whether National Public Data adhered to the necessary security measures required to protect personally identifiable information under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. Bailey underlined the need of accountability, declaring that ” Companies have a duty under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act to safeguard Missourians’ personally identifiable information, and Missourians deserve to know whether their information is at risk.”
“No stone will be left unturned in this investigation.,” AG Bailey added.
Missourians worried about whether their data has been hacked should get in touch with the Attorney General’s office. Bailey has set up an online complaint system and a consumer protection hotline (1-800-392-8222).
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The result of this investigation might have far-reaching consequences for data security policies and practices as state officials and citizens both wait for responses on how such a major breach happened and what actions will be taken to stop next ones.
