Pentagon says unauthorized users accessed unencrypted personnel records, including Social Security numbers, of 2.76 million living people
Records of 294,000 dead people were also hit, and the access ran from October 2025 until July 2026.
A Defense Department official told Fox News that unauthorized users got into a Defense Manpower Data Center system that stored personal data without encryption. The access ran from October 2025 until July 2026. It reached records of 2.76 million living people and 294,000 dead people. The exposed files may include Social Security numbers and military personnel details. The department says it has seen no sign that the data has been misused.
How affected people learn they were hit and claim monitoring:
- Notices arrive by mail from the Pentagon's contractor, IDX; the letter lists which of your fields were exposed
- IDX offers 12 months of free credit monitoring and identity-restoration help
- Enroll at response.idx.us/DMDC with the code in your letter by Aug. 19, 2027; questions go to 1-855-744-4556