The expert advises that the initial step to prevent identity theft is to freeze your credit. It is essential to understand the implications.

• This year has seen a string of significant data breaches affecting consumers, culminating in the National Public Data breach.
• Experts advise that the initial line of defense for consumers is to freeze their credit.
• Here's what you need to know about that process.

So far, 2024 has been a huge year for data breaches.

Before the recent National Public Data breach, over 1 billion personal records had already been compromised, as stated by Michael Bruemmer, head of global data breach resolution at Experian.

In a recent lawsuit, it was claimed that National Public Data, a background check company, exposed 2.9 billion records. However, the company has stated that the actual number of records affected is significantly lower, at approximately 1.3 million.

According to Bruemmer, the breach may be larger than the company is reporting, as indicated by the data mined from the breach by Experian.

National Public Data did not respond to requests for comment from CNBC.

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Bruemmer stated that it's a significant event, as it follows recent large-scale breaches from Change Healthcare, AT&T, and Ticketmaster.

Typically, hackers dump stolen data on the dark web and try to resell it.

The dark web is a section of the internet that contains concealed websites that cannot be accessed through standard search engines. Unlike credit records, which can be challenged and corrected, data on the dark web cannot be retrieved or erased.

"Once it's out there, it stays," Bruemmer said.

Freezing your credit can take just minutes

Experts advise prioritizing freezing your credit to safeguard your information.

The most crucial step to take after receiving a data breach notice is to freeze your credit, advised James E. Lee, chief operating officer at the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the risk of identity theft, in a recent interview with bizfocushub.com.

Bruemmer explained that the process can be completed in just minutes.

By placing a credit freeze, you can restrict access to your credit report and prevent others from opening new accounts under your name, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Notably, freezing your credit is free.

A credit freeze will remain in effect until it is removed, which can be done temporarily or permanently.

To apply for new credit, you must first unfreeze your credit report.

If you suspect a breach or want to maintain good identity hygiene, Bruemmer recommends a freeze.

Completing the process at all three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - is necessary to effectively freeze your credit. To do this, you must set up free online accounts with each agency. Experts suggest that requesting a freeze through online means is usually the quickest option.

Experts recommend checking your free credit report regularly to monitor any recent activity and avoid errors.

When to freeze children's records

According to Bruemmer, the size of the National Public Data breach may have resulted in the theft of children's information.

Parents should be vigilant for indications that their children's personal data may have been breached, including unexpected credit card offers, IRS tax bills, or collections notices.

Whether a child's credit should be frozen depends on the existence of a file on them, according to Bruemmer.

Bruemmer advised against placing a freeze on a child's credit file, as most children do not have one and the bureau would have to create it.

Parents can obtain a free credit report for their children annually through AnnualCreditReport.com. If a credit file exists, both parents and children should freeze it, advised Bruemmer.

Other tips to keep your personal data secure

Protecting your personal data requires more than just freezing your credit.

Using a password manager can help generate complex passwords and store them securely, Bruemmer said.

Using two factor authentication or encryption to verify identity can enhance security and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Bruemmer advised removing personal information on social media that can be used by identity thieves.

They may also set up alerts on their accounts to stay informed about recent activity.

Bruemmer stated that additional services can be purchased to notify individuals if their information is posted on the dark web or to monitor if a credit file has been established for a minor.