I only send out Current Tech Alerts when something major happens. This one feels almost like déjà vu: There’s been another massive data breach, this time exposing one-third of the U.S. population. I’ve got all the dirty details, plus steps to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Our sponsors help us put out this alert free to you. Get your private information out of data-broker and people-search sites with Incogni. Use my link to get 60% off right now. (More on that below.) — Kim

Another day, another monumental data breach. Just because they’re getting more common doesn’t mean you can tune it out. In fact, it’s time to get even more serious about your private information and what’s posted online.

An estimated 106,316,633 records from U.S. citizens were exposed through "human error." In this case, someone left a file totally unprotected online. Data of 2,319,873 people and organizations who subscribed to MC2 Data for background check services was exposed, too. Talk about a massive screwup.

Cybersecurity researchers say the company left a whopping 2.2 terabytes of private information open for anyone. MC2 Data owns several background check sites, including PrivateRecords⁠.⁠net, PrivateReports, PeopleSearcher, ThePeopleSearchers and PeopleSearchUSA.

Like thousands of other background check companies, MC2 Data gathers data from government sources, criminal records, employment history and family data.

The personal data left out in the open for anyone to access includes, but is not limited to:

• Names
• Email addresses
• IP addresses
• Encrypted passwords
• Partial payment information
• Home addresses
• Birth dates
• Phone numbers
• Property records
• Legal records
• Family, relative and neighbor data
• Employment histories

So far, MC2 Data hasn't released a formal response to the breach. The story is still developing, but I wanted to make sure you knew about it.

Incogni is my online privacy secret weapon. They pull your info from data-broker companies and sites that sell it to anyone willing to pay. As you can see, this data-broker company was hacked, so it’s not just stalkers and scammers who have access to your personal information.

After finding my personal cellphone number available on a free people-search site last year, I made it my mission to scrub everything online about me. There are literally hundreds of companies and sites that collect personal info, and they make it extremely hard to get your data removed. Why? Because they profit from selling your data — and mine.

I spent 36 hours emailing the scummy sites, filling out forms, making calls and even sending letters by USPS. I gave up when I had no real progress. That’s when I researched services to do this for me. I tried three, and I ultimately picked Incogni.

Incogni just works. So far, Incogni has removed me from 231 data-broker and people-search sites, and they send regular removal requests to keep my info off these sites. Incogni puts your name on data suppression lists, too, which is amazing. This means these companies cannot sneak you back on.

With more of your data than ever floating around the Dark Web, it’s time to take control. I’m glad I use Incogni and you will be, too.

✅ Try it free: Right now, try Incogni for 30 days. If you’re not completely satisfied, get your money back. Use this link to get 60% off when you sign up. I don’t get any residuals or kickbacks. I’m just glad you can stay safe!