Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced today the initiation of an investigation into National Public Data, a background check company, over allegations of inadequate security measures to protect Missourians' personally identifiable information. The data potentially exposed includes Social Security numbers, addresses, full names, and other private records.
“I will always fight for Missouri consumers, especially if their personal information was stolen by bad actors,” said Attorney General Bailey. “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.”
The investigation follows public reports that the cybercriminal group USDoD accessed National Public Data's network and exfiltrated unencrypted data belonging to 2.9 billion individuals. It is alleged that USDoD offered the database for sale at $3.5 million.
This action is part of a broader effort by Attorney General Bailey to protect consumer information in Missouri. His office has previously taken legal action against tax preparation companies for leaking taxpayer data to Big Tech firms and has pursued cases against major corporations like Experian, T-Mobile, and Blackbaud for failing to secure consumer data.
Attorney General Bailey emphasized his commitment: “I am going to use every tool at my disposal to protect Missourians’ personal information. If you believe you have been affected by this breach, please reach out to my office by calling our Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-(800) 392-8222 or by submitting a complaint online at ago.mo.gov.”