SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – August 07, 2009 – While Social Security numbers have been in existence for almost 75 years, recent studies and a growing number of voices show that using them as the sole key to authentication can lead to increased identity theft and fraud, according to a new report from CyberScout.
The report, “You’re Nothing but a Number,” takes an in-depth look at the issue and includes insights and commentary from a number of privacy and security experts. It traces the evolution of Social Security numbers from their original design as a way to track individuals’ income and taxes, through current problems with misuse and up to offering authentication alternatives. Highlights include:
- An examination of the recent, eye-opening Carnegie Mellon University report on Social Security number predictability;
- An editorial calling for changes in the national identifying system by CyberScout founder Adam Levin;* and
- An exploration of the origins, development and “anatomy” of SSNs
*CyberScout experts are available for interviews based on availability.
“The increased use of Social Security numbers by the private sector has created a huge threat to the protection of our identities,” said Matthew Cullina, CEO of CyberScout. “The public needs to be aware of the vulnerability of Social Security numbers and what they can do to protect their numbers and themselves.”
Although not initially intended for use in the private sector, SSNs are now used for everything from medical services to credit applications. As our world moves to an electronic warehouse of information, our SSNs are at an even greater risk for data breaches that can lead to fraud and identity theft.
