How to protect yourself after massive theft of social security data
Briefly

"With all these other breaches we've had, just about all of our social security numbers are already out there and floating around on the Dark Web," said Clifford Neuman, director of USC's Center for Computer System Security. This statement highlights the pervasive risk individuals face regarding their personal information as data breaches have become increasingly common and severe.
"Don't go clicking on the links in the notice itself because sometimes criminals themselves will spam you with fake notices," he said. "By logging onto that internet site you're actually giving the criminals the information they're trying to get." This quote underscores the importance of vigilance and caution when responding to data breach notifications.
"It is very intrusive, it doesn't feel good and it's not easy to fix," said Angela Setters Bessard, who hosts a podcast called The Real Credit Queen. This insight encapsulates the emotional toll and complexity involved in rectifying identity theft, emphasizing why prevention is crucial.
"One of the best moves consumers can do is to freeze their credit at all the credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion and the lesser known Innovis. It cuts off the thieves at the knees because as soon as they try to open something in someone else's name, they're blocked." This recommendation serves as a practical step that can help mitigate the risks posed by ongoing data breaches.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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