How you can protect yourself from credit fraud [Video]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — With the scope of the data leaked onto the dark web from Columbus’ ransomware attack just beginning to be known, one of the main ways a person can protect themselves is to place a security freeze on their credit report.

Shortly after Mayor Andrew Ginther asserted Tuesday morning that the data leak contained information that was either encrypted or corrupted, a cybersecurity expert contacted NBC4 showing that he had downloaded some of the data. What that expert, Connor Goodwolf, was able to immediately access included city attorney’s records with Social Security numbers and victim’s names, and a city facility entry database that included driver’s license information for visitors going back 20 years.

The discovery took city officials aback, with Ginther saying on Wednesday morning that what he had originally said was done in “good faith” and “upon rigorous investigation.”

“We are now aware that an individual has come forward with information,” Ginther said. “We are …