Data Breach: 2.9 Billion Social Security Numbers at risk

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by tscottme, Oct 2, 2024.

  1. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    This happened a month more ago. Some service the US govt was using for something was sloppy and exposed 2.9 billion SSNs in a data breach. I didn't know there were that many but maybe it includes EINs and other numbers similar to a personal SSN. Anyway, I found a clear and complete step-by-step video on how to lock up your SSN with the US govt. It uses the govt E-Verfiy web service, so you might be familiar with it for HazMat background checks, TWIC, etc. If you have registered with them before for one of those things you may want to use the same email address. It took me about 20-30 minutes setting it up, reviewing my data, testing, and then locking my SSN. You will need to record AT LEAST the Backup Code they give you in case you have a problem logging in in the future. If you lose that code it will not be good.

    Follow the steps when you have a good connection, time, patience, and a notepad or password manager. Supposedly this will prevent someone from using your SSN to get a job. I also recommend you follow the steps for TransUnion, Experian, Equifax to LOCK or FREEZE your credit reports. No monitoring service, and nothing beside LOCK or FREEZE protects you like LOCK/FREEZE. It costs nothing but a little time. You also need to record your backup codes, or whatever they call it. Once locked, it only takes a few seconds to unlock/thaw your credit to get new credit or for a landlord or someone to check your credit.

     
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  3. JonJon78

    JonJon78 Road Train Member

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    In addition to lock/freeze with the 3 agencies, you should also place a freeze on your file with Chexsystems.com

    Prevents people from opening bank accounts in your name.
     
  4. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    If you don't want to watch video, here are the steps he gives to lock your SSN

    Lock SSN
    myE-Verify
    Click Create Account
    Type in email address
    Verify by clicking link in email
    Agree to T.O.S.
    Create password for website
    Pick method for 2 Factor Authent.
    Save backup code they send you
    Pick your 5 security questions
    Accept T.O.S.
    Fill out personal data
    Verify your info w/ ID questions
    Click Manage My SSN
    Set up 3 more security questions
    Click Lock My SSN
     
  5. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    There aren't 2.9 billion Americans. Who owns all those social security numbers? Seems pretty out of whack with reality. In fact the numbering scheme only goes to 1 billion.
     
  6. 4wayflashers

    4wayflashers Road Train Member

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    I wouldn’t be concerned with any specific number. Every American has had their personal information hacked in that attack. What they can do with it is something I dont want to personally find out.

    A few years ago someone hacked into Chase bank. Chase bank was known to be as secure as any system can be. The hackers were in the system for I believe 2 whole days before being detected. The experts said the hackers had complete access and could have drained enormous sums. They didnt take a dime. That troubled the experts as much as the hack itself because it left them wondering why they went to all the trouble and didnt take any money. They could only assume they were taking information. They assumed the hackers valued the information more than billions of dollars.
     
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  7. dieselpowered

    dieselpowered Heavy Load Member

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    Buddy of mine works to do something like this and help improve people systems. He will literally hack them after hes been given okay and show them how to improve it. Who knows maybe they did this and told people was hacked illegally when was done on purpose
     
  8. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    Bank transfers are easy to reverse. Money that exists in ones and zeros is easy to change.
     
  9. 4wayflashers

    4wayflashers Road Train Member

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    I believe at the time it was determined to be a foreign government. So that makes sense that they didn't bother with draining a few billion. But they did have total access for days.

    Im not any kind of expert on cybersecurity and I’m not looking to get in a lengthy back and forth.

    If youre not concerned about identity protection in 2024 then Im not going to try to convince anyone to take the 10 minutes to freeze your credit.
     
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  10. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Well, I'll tell ya', if anyone steals MY SS number, they better go back to crime school, there's much bigger fish to fry. It does happen, though, why, just the other day, my neighbor, with about as much as I have, said he got a notice from his bank saying all his credit was stolen. They got it from hospital records. Nice huh? Hey, cost of a modern society, and my late mom called it out 25 years ago. You people and your credit cards are going to be the death to this country. With a current credit card debt in the USA at $1.14 TRILLION, an increase over $928 Billion in 2022, she was right. Nothing we will be able to do will reverse that, and our system is destined to crumble.
    Who wants ginger snaps?
     
  11. mustang190

    mustang190 Road Train Member

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    They are right, information is more valuable and easier to sell.
    There are millions of newcomers that need a SSN and a bank account.
     
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