Today, Explained

Hackers probably stole your Social Security number

21 snips
Aug 27, 2024
Adam Clark Estes, Vox's senior tech correspondent, dives into the alarming rise of identity theft, especially impacting children's social security numbers. He discusses a massive data breach that left millions vulnerable and the panic that followed. Estes emphasizes the importance of freezing credit as a proactive measure against identity theft. He provides essential tips on navigating post-breach protection, alongside insights into the challenges posed by the data brokerage industry and the pressing need for better consumer privacy regulations.
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ANECDOTE

Adam's SSN Breach Alert

  • Adam Clark Estes received a bank alert about his Social Security number being compromised.
  • This prompted him to take action and protect his information.
INSIGHT

Data Brokerage Industry

  • A data brokerage industry buys and sells personal data, including SSNs.
  • This data can be acquired through various means, both legitimate and illicit.
ANECDOTE

National Public Data Breach

  • National Public Data, a company run by Sal Verino, was hacked, leading to the breach.
  • The hacker, USDOD, attempted to sell the stolen data but failed.
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