The recent Prosper data breach has left 17.6 million users grappling with the safety of their personal information. As hackers infiltrated the system, sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, names, and other personal identifiers were exposed. For those affected, this is not just another security scare—it's a wake-up call to protect your identity and personal information immediately. In this blog, we will guide you through the specifics of what was leaked, assess the potential risks, and provide clear steps to safeguard your personal information.
What Datapoints Were Leaked?
When Prosper’s security was breached, the fallout wasn’t just about headlines—it was about the kind of data that can flip your life upside down if it lands in the wrong hands. The attack exposed sensitive details from 17.6 million users. Here’s what hackers got their hands on:
Types of Information Compromised
Full names
Social Security numbers
Addresses
Dates of birth
Email addresses
Phone numbers
Financial account details (in some cases)
Every bit of this information has real-world consequences. It’s not just your name or email floating out there—Social Security numbers and financial account details are prime targets for identity thieves. With these, criminals can open credit cards, take out loans, or even commit tax fraud in your name.
Why Does This Matter?
To put it simply, these data points are the building blocks of your identity. Once exposed, they can be pieced together by cybercriminals for:
Identity theft: Using your Social Security number and date of birth, someone could pretend to be you—applying for credit or government benefits.
Financial fraud: Access to your account details can result in unauthorized transactions, drained accounts, or new accounts opened in your name.
Phishing attacks: With your personal details, hackers craft convincing messages that can trick you or your contacts into sharing even more information.
When information like this is leaked, it’s more than just an inconvenience. It’s a direct threat to your financial security and peace of mind.
Should You Be Worried?
The recent Prosper data breach isn’t just another headline—it’s a wakeup call for anyone who values privacy and financial safety. With data of 17.6 million users reportedly exposed, the fallout goes far beyond a simple inconvenience. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Really at Risk?
The leaked Prosper data could contain sensitive personal details such as names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and account information. When this type of information gets out, it’s not just your inbox that gets spammed. The real risks are far more serious:
Identity Theft: Stolen personal information is gold for criminals. They can open new credit lines, apply for loans, or even file tax returns in your name.
Financial Fraud: With access to financial data, bad actors can make unauthorized transactions, drain bank accounts, or rack up charges on your credit cards.
Phishing Scams: Criminals can use your details to craft convincing phishing emails, tricking you or your contacts into sharing even more sensitive information.
Should You Panic?
Worrying is normal, but action is smarter. The immediate aftermath of a data breach is the most critical window. Quick steps can help limit the fallout:
Monitor your financial accounts for any suspicious activity.
Change your passwords—especially if you reuse passwords across multiple sites.
Watch out for phishing attempts that use your leaked information to look more believable.
Why Swift Action Matters
After a breach, cybercriminals act fast. The sooner you secure your accounts and update your information, the harder it is for them to do damage. Think of it like locking your doors after a break-in—you wouldn’t wait until morning.
How Cloaked Can Help
For those looking for an extra layer of protection, services like Cloaked offer a proactive approach. Cloaked lets you generate unique emails, phone numbers, and personal details for online services. If a site you use gets breached, your real identity and contact info stay safe. You can even deactivate or swap out those details at any time, cutting off scammers before they can reach you.
Your data is precious—don’t wait for trouble to knock twice. Taking action now can spare you a world of headaches down the road.
What Should Be Your Next Steps?
When your personal data is exposed, panic is common—but action matters more. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to lock down your information and regain control.
Step 1: Secure Your Accounts Fast
Change passwords immediately. Focus on email, banking, and social media first. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds a critical barrier for would-be intruders.
Sign out of all devices. Force a logout wherever possible, especially if you suspect unauthorized access.
Step 2: Watch for Suspicious Activity
Monitor your bank and credit card statements. Look for any transactions you don’t recognize.
Check your email and phone for security alerts. Phishing attempts often follow breaches.
Review your credit reports. Unexpected changes could signal identity theft.
Step 3: Use Reliable Privacy Tools
Opt for privacy protection services. Consider tools that mask your email, phone, or card details when signing up for new services.
Cloaked offers a simple way to create virtual cards, emails, and phone numbers—keeping your real information hidden from prying eyes. If your data is out there, using aliases for future signups can limit further exposure.
Step 4: Freeze or Monitor Your Credit
Place a credit freeze with major bureaus. This stops new accounts from being opened in your name.
Set up fraud alerts. Many banks and credit agencies allow you to receive instant notifications if suspicious activity is detected.
Step 5: Stay Vigilant, Always
Regularly update your passwords. Don’t reuse the same password across different sites.
Keep software up to date. This includes your operating system, browsers, and any apps.
Educate yourself and your family. Scams get smarter every year. A little knowledge goes a long way.
Protecting your information isn’t a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing habit. If you stay alert and use the right tools, you can significantly lower the risk of future breaches.
Cloaked FAQs Accordion
Frequently Asked Questions
Cloaked is a privacy-first tool that lets you create secure aliases for emails, phone numbers, and more—shielding your real identity online. With Cloaked, your personal info stays protected from breaches, scams, and tracking.
Look for urgent messages, unfamiliar links, or strange sender addresses. With Cloaked aliases, it’s easier to identify which site may have leaked your contact details and ignore suspicious communications.
Yes. If a Cloaked alias starts receiving spam, you can pause, delete, or rotate it. This eliminates the need to change your real email or phone number.
They do different jobs. VPNs protect browsing. Password managers secure logins. Cloaked protects your real identity at the contact level—emails, phones, and personal identifiers.
Definitely. Use Cloaked aliases to avoid spam and limit exposure to companies that may mishandle or leak your data.
At Cloaked, we believe the best way to protect your personal information is to keep it private before it ever gets out. That’s why we help you remove your data from people-search sites that expose your home address, phone number, SSN, and other personal details. And to keep your info private going forward, Cloaked lets you create unique, secure emails and phone numbers with one click - so you sign up for new experiences without giving away your real info. With Cloaked, your privacy isn’t a setting - it’s the default. Take back control of your personal data with thousands of Cloaked users.
*Disclaimer: You agree not to use any aspect of the Cloaked Services for FCRA purposes.
