What was stolen in the OPM breach?

OPM and the interagency incident response team have concluded with high confidence that sensitive information, including the Social Security Numbers (SSNs) of 21.5 million individuals, was stolen from the background investigation databases.

What caused the OPM breach?

Unfortunately, on May 7, 2014, an attacker or group dubbed X2by the report had used credentials stolen from KeyPoint to establish another foothold in the OPM network and install malware there to create a backdoor. This breach went undetected and the “big bang” didn’t remove X2’s access or the backdoor.

Is there a solution to the OPM hack?

Sept. 1, 2015 – According to OPM.gov, OPM announced that it has awarded a contract of $133 million to Identity Theft Guard Solutions. The contract will provide identity theft protection for those whose information was stolen during the infamous OPM identity hack.

How do I know if I was part of the OPM breach?

OPM is still sending out letters informing people their data has been stolen but those who aren’t sure whether they’re part of the 21.5 million compromised records can take advantage of a new verification center. Users can access the verification center online or by phone at 866-408-4555 (international: 503-520-4453).

Who is responsible for OPM hack?

the Chinese government
U.S. officials have said that the Chinese government is responsible for the OPM hack, which breached major databases and exposed the sensitive information of about 22.1 million people, including not just federal employees and contractors but their families and friends.

What is your hacked stolen data worth on the black market?

Personal information from US citizens found on the Dark Web—ranging from Social Security numbers, stolen credit card numbers, hacked PayPal accounts, and more—is worth just $8 on average, according to a new report from tech research firm Comparitech.

Who is in charge of the Office of Personnel Management?

Kiran Ahuja
The United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is an independent agency of the United States Federal Government that manages the US civilian service….United States Office of Personnel Management.

What is the most common cause of a data breach?

Weak and Stolen Credentials, a.k.a. Passwords Hacking attacks may well be the most common cause of a data breach but it is often a weak or lost password that is the vulnerability that is being exploited by the opportunist hacker.

How long does OPM monitoring last?

The new award, announced in December 2018, has a possible full period of performance of five years. This is part of OPM’s continuing efforts to provide coverage to all impacted individuals through FY 2026.

What is the average cost of a data breach?

According to the Ponemon Institute’s 2020 “Cost of Data Breach Study,” the global average for a data breach is $3.83 million, but the average cost of a data breach in the United States has hit an all-time high of $8.64 million.

What can hackers do with your name and address?

What is identity theft?

• Your info could be used to open credit cards or take out loans.
• Hackers can intercept your tax refund.
• Your info can be used to cover medical treatment.
• Hackers can take flight with your airline miles.
• Your info could be used to open utility accounts.

What kind of information do hackers look for?

Such data may include passwords, usernames, and personal information that includes full names and addresses. With easily accessible personal data, hackers can go online and start draining bank accounts and commit all sorts of identity theft crimes.