Access to public records in our digital day and age is always just a few clicks away. If you know where to look, you can find detailed information for all sorts of matters, such as background checks, court records, and more. This is important for professionals, public officials, and everyday people alike.
National Public Data is one of the many sites offering access to public data across the United States. However, the platform recently came under fire due to major concerns about data security, especially after suffering a massive data breach in 2024. The incident has raised questions about how such platforms handle sensitive information and whether they can be trusted moving forward.
What is National Public Data? We’ll explain that in this guide, offering background on the platform, context around the 2024 breach, and what users should keep in mind when choosing a reliable and secure public records provider.
What Is National Public Data – Explained
National Public Data or Jerico Pictures, Inc. is a data broker agency that specialises in background checks for employment and other verification purposes. It offers a wide database of public records, including criminal records, court documents, driving histories, address histories, and employment and education records.
The site is targeted toward both individuals and organizations looking to perform background checks or verify identity-related details. In theory, it presents itself as a smart platform offering significant value to users who want quick, consolidated access to public records without spending hours navigating government websites.
However, as National Public Data quickly learned, with great access comes great responsibility, especially when personal data is involved.
The National Public Data Breach
In 2024, National Public Data was reported to have leaked the private information of millions of people following a breach by a hacker named USDoD. Around 2.9 billion records were stolen, including full names, current and previous addresses, Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, and phone numbers.
The closure of this company and its sister site, RecordsCheck.net, has been widely reported following a filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. While the website itself still appears to be functional, we highly encourage you to proceed with caution.
Why It Matters
Even though public records are accessible by nature, how that data is stored, processed, and protected makes all the difference. The difference is in how the platform approaches the matter of privacy. Is it only providing access to legal records, or is it also exposing users’ identities or search behaviors in the process?
This breach is a significant event because it marks a major failure in protecting public trust. The information leaked online doesn’t only affect individuals who may now be at risk of identity theft, fraud, or blackmail, it also shakes people’s confidence in the ability of institutions to handle sensitive data responsibly.
Public services such as healthcare, social welfare, and voter registration systems could face serious disruption as both officials and citizens are left trying to determine what’s real and what may have been tampered with by malicious actors.
On an international scale, this data breach has also raised serious concerns about how data is stored, shared, and weaponized, especially in the context of rising cyberwarfare and geopolitical tensions. It would be unfair to call it a technical failure. It’s a systemic one that exposes how vulnerable our information can be online.
Choosing a Safer Way to Access Public Records
Convenience should never come at the cost of privacy or security when accessing public records online. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an employer who wants to do job screenings or a landlord checking a tenant’s criminal history. The platform you choose should have four important features that help protect your safety:
- It should have proper data security protocols in place to safeguard sensitive information.
- It should operate transparently and maintain clear, open communication with users.
- Its records should be accurate and up-to-date, sourced from legitimate databases.
- It should respect user privacy, comply with data protection laws, and give you the option to opt out or remove your data if needed.
This is where some more innovative and better-established services come into play.
These platforms provide the same level of accessibility for users while placing a stronger emphasis on ethical practices and robust cybersecurity infrastructure. PublicRecord.com is one such example, offering a more secure and trustworthy environment for accessing public information.
To help you evaluate whether a public records website is dependable, here’s a checklist you can use:
- SSL Encryption: The website clearly uses HTTPS in its URL, which means your data is encrypted during transmission and protected from unauthorized access.
- Clear Privacy Policy: PublicRecords.com prioritizes user privacy and provides a detailed section explaining their privacy practices related to how your information is handled on the site.
- No Hidden Fees: Transparency in pricing is a strong indicator of trustworthiness. PublicRecords.com openly states on its homepage that there is a small one-time fee to access full reports. Basic information can be viewed for free, while a subscription offers unlimited access to reports without restrictions.
- Customer Support: The site offers a dedicated support team ready to assist you. You can submit a request form for any questions or concerns and expect timely responses.
- Option to Remove Data: Your data should never be sold or shared without your consent. PublicRecords.com allows you to remove your information from their database at no cost if you are uncomfortable with it being publicly accessible.
Doing your homework before using a public data site can go a long way in protecting your personal information and helping you find accurate records.
How to Access Public Data Manually (Without Using Sites Like National Public Data)
Trying to access public data manually can be more of a hassle, but in some cases it offers greater accuracy, transparency, and privacy. These methods make sense when you need highly accurate or certified records, or when privacy and security are top priorities.
Visit Local or State Government Websites
Most public records originate from state or local agencies. To access a wide variety of records, you can visit the official website of your state’s Judicial Branch or your local county court. These sites provide access to court records, including civil lawsuits, criminal case histories, and small claims.
Similarly, you can find property records at the office of a County Assessor, Recorder of Deeds, or Tax Collector. This will help you find ownership history, property tax details, land assessments, and zoning information. You can also find criminal records like arrest records and warrants at your State Department of Public Safety, State Police, or Attorney General’s Office.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
If the data you’re looking for isn’t available online, you can file a FOIA request. Every state has its own version of FOIA laws that allow you to request access to government documents. All you need to do is find the agency that holds the right information and write a formal request to submit by mail or through their online FOIA portal.
The downside of this method is that processing times can take an incredibly long time, depending on your request.
State Archives and Libraries
Many states and counties also maintain digital or physical archives of public records. You can go to the State Archives Office or the State Library website to find all kinds of important public documents, such as birth and death records, marriage certificates, military service files, land deeds, and even really old newspapers.
The best part is that there are often trained archivists and librarians ready to help you out. They can guide you through the search process, help you make sense of confusing documents, or even send you scanned copies of what you’re looking for. Most of these services are either free or very affordable.
An Important Reminder
While these manual methods can be helpful, if you’re short on time or need bulk access to records, using a trustworthy, security-conscious platform may be more practical. Make sure to consult our checklist to verify the site’s credibility, privacy protections, and user reviews beforehand.
Find a Better Way to Access Public Records
Public records are all about transparency and accountability, but how we access them matters just as much as the records themselves. The National Public Data breach remains a cautionary tale about the need for better security, data handling, and transparent policies.
As public awareness around data privacy grows, public data platforms need to be safer and more dependable alternatives. Always make sure the tool you’re using protects you as much as it provides information.
