When to shield your Social Security number now
The Equifax breach underscores caution as banks insurers and government agencies may require your number. Experts say disclose only when legally required and seek alternatives ask why your number is needed and insist on safer options to identify yourself.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Internal Revenue Service
Joe Valenti
Consumer Finance
Center For American Progress
IRS
Valenti
Privacy Journal
Equifax breach leaves uncertain total damage figure
The Equifax data breach may cause widespread identity theft and financial harm, but experts say a precise count is impossible. Data from up to 143 million Americans could be affected while prior breaches and long lasting data like Social Security numbers complicate attribution and risk assessment.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
John Alzheimer
Equifax
FICO
Brian Krebs
KrebsOnSecurity.com
Yahoo's
Target
Home Depot
Identity Theft Resource Center
U.S
Iden
Javelin Strategy & Research
Javelin
Also Mentioned on This Page
Aia
Jean Chatzky
HerMoney
Transunion
Experian
The
Robert Ellis Smith
Alzheimer
USA
Ameritrade
Jae Yang and
Paul Trap
USA Today
Yd Tin Laine
Epa-Efe