National Public Data and the Expanding Threat of Cybercrime on Social Media and Major Online Platforms

By: Russell Johnson In the digital age, data has become both a valuable asset and a prime target. One of the most alarming examples in recent years comes from National Public Data, a data broker known for aggregating information used in background checks for employment and other verification purposes. In August of last year, the company confirmed a major cyberattack that compromised 2.9 billion records across the U.S., U.K., and Canada. The stolen data—consisting of names, Social Security numbers, email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses—was quickly listed for sale on the dark web, where cybercriminals shop for sensitive information like others shop for groceries. This breach did more than just embarrass a single company. It underscored the broader crisis of cybersecurity that now touches nearly every aspect of online life—including the increasingly vulnerable landscape of social media purchasing and major e-commerce platforms. As users grow comfortable linking their payment information and identities to social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, the threat posed by data breaches grows in parallel. One click on a convincing ad or fraudulent influencer post can lead users into scams made more effective with stolen data like that from National Public Data. The National Public Data Breach: A Case Study in Risk The sheer scale of the National Public Data hack is difficult to grasp. Nearly three billion personal records were exposed. This wasn’t just usernames and passwords—it was deeply identifying data that can be used to impersonate victims, open fraudulent accounts, steal funds, or tailor scams. For cybercriminals, it’s a goldmine. For consumers, it’s a nightmare. This kind of information is often weaponized by scammers who craft phishing emails, fake login pages, and targeted social engineering attacks—all designed to look legitimate to the unsuspecting user. And as this data circulates on the dark web, it becomes easier for criminals to layer attacks: for example, using a person’s name and email from the breach to validate a scam, while harvesting new information through fake checkout forms or malware downloads on spoofed e-commerce sites. Cybercrime’s Surge on Social Media Platforms Cybercrime has rapidly evolved with the growth of social commerce—the practice of purchasing directly through social media platforms. Instagram Shops, TikTok Storefronts, Facebook Marketplace, and Pinterest’s Product Pins are just a few of the many tools that now blur the line between scrolling and shopping. However, this blending of personal interaction and financial transaction makes social platforms especially attractive targets. Scammers may create fake influencer accounts or mimic real ones, offering deep discounts or giveaways that harvest payment information. With access to leaked data from breaches like the one at National Public Data, they can personalize their scams, making them far more believable. A fake message that includes your real name, phone number, or even the city you live in can trick even savvy users into letting their guard down. Additionally, users who link credit cards or PayPal accounts to social media profiles face increased risk. Once hackers compromise a social media account, they may gain direct access to saved financial data or use the account to scam the victim’s followers. E-Commerce Platforms Are Also Under Fire Major online platforms like Amazon, eBay, Walmart.com, and Etsy are no strangers to cyber threats. But now, with third-party sellers and social integrations more common than ever, the attack surface has expanded. Fraudulent sellers, fake reviews, and cloned websites can all work in tandem with leaked data to exploit buyers. Take, for example, a scenario where a cybercriminal uses National Public Data’s breach to retrieve an individual’s email, physical address, and phone number. They could then send a fake order confirmation or “account recovery” message that appears to come from Amazon or another platform. The user, already accustomed to receiving such emails, may click the link and unknowingly enter their credentials into a fake login page—granting full access to their account. This is part of a larger trend: cybercrime is expected to cost the global economy $10.5 trillion this year. It’s no longer just a nuisance—it’s an economic force with serious consequences. The Human Cost and the Industry Response For the average consumer, the fallout is personal and devastating. Bank accounts can be drained. Credit scores can be wrecked. The psychological toll—fear, anxiety, and a lasting sense of vulnerability—can be as damaging as the financial loss. In some cases, criminals have used this kind of information to physically locate victims, showing up at their doors or using their identity in real-world crimes. But this growing threat is also fueling an explosion in demand for cybersecurity professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the cybersecurity sector are expected to grow by 33% between 2023 and 2033, one of the fastest rates of any industry. As businesses and governments scramble to harden their systems, the need for skilled professionals in areas like penetration testing, ethical hacking, threat analysis, and digital forensics has never been greater. Conclusion: A Dangerous New Normal The cyberattack on National Public Data is just one chapter in a much larger story. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with digital platforms—especially through social media and online commerce—the risks of cybercrime continue to grow in complexity and scale. Data breaches no longer happen in isolation. Their consequences ripple outward, enabling more sophisticated scams, more targeted fraud, and more devastating outcomes for consumers. Protecting ourselves in this environment requires more than antivirus software. It demands digital awareness, secure habits, and a cautious approach to sharing personal information online. But on a broader scale, it also calls for systemic reform and innovation in the fields of cybersecurity, data governance, and platform accountability. The next decade will test our ability to adapt. And while cybercrime may be an unfortunate reality of our digital world, the response—through technology, education, and vigilance—can help mitigate the damage and safeguard the future of online interaction.