Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is launching an investigation into National Public Data after reports of a large-scale data breach emerged last week.
National Public Data is a background screening company that allows its clients to search billions of records.
In a press release, Bailey said the company failed to protect Missouri residents’ personal information, including social security numbers, previous addresses and other private data.
“Companies are required by the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act to protect the personal information of Missourians, and Missourians have a right to know if their information has been compromised,” Bailey said. “No stone will be left unturned in this investigation.”
Last week, a large-scale data theft was reported, with a group of cybercriminals gaining access to the National Public Data information network and stealing the unencrypted data of 2.9 billion people. The criminal group is said to have offered the database for sale for $3.5 million.
Bailey has previously filed similar lawsuits to protect Missouri residents’ personal information, including against companies such as Experian, T-Mobile and cloud computing provider Blackbaud.
The Attorney General’s Office is asking any Missouri resident who believes they have been affected by the data theft to call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 or file a complaint online.
