Lawmakers Push To Shield Last 4 Social Security Numbers
Most of us have become accustomed to giving out the last four digits of our Social Security numbers. But this customary request is becoming increasingly problematic, and two Rhode Island lawmakers are responding by pushing legislation to stop businesses from asking for the last four digits of customers’ Social Security ...
Spyware A Major Identity Theft Threat
Spyware is sold legally in the United States. This software records chats, emails, browsing history, usernames, passwords, and basically everything a person does on that PC. Some spyware programs can record everything in a video file, which can then be accessed remotely. This is all perfectly legal as long as ...
7 Types of Hacker Motivations
There are good and bad hackers. Here is a window into what they do and why: White Hat Hackers: These are the good guys, computer security experts who specialize in penetration testing and other methodologies to ensure that a company’s information systems are secure. These IT security professionals rely on ...
Social Security Numbers Easily Cracked
It is easier than ever to guess or predict an individual’s Social Security number, which puts us all at a greater risk for identity theft. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a reliable method for predicting Social Security numbers, using information from social networking sites, data brokers, voter registration ...
The 6 Types of Identity Theft
#1 New Account Fraud Using another’s personal identifying information to obtain products and services using that person’s good credit standing. This fraud often requires use of the victim’s Social Security number. Opening new utility, cell phone and/or credit card accounts are the most prevalent forms of new account fraud. #2 ...
Data Privacy Day
This is a critical time for our personal security as it relates to privacy and personal information. A battle is being waged over our data, and there are several parties involved in this fight. My concern is securing the personal details that you would prefer to keep private. Criminal hackers ...
Hacking Wireless for Identity Theft
The ability to connect wirelessly has a lot to do with the indispensability of the Internet in our daily lives. Wireless Internet is available in our homes, offices, cafes, restaurants, parks, hotels, airports, cars, and even airplanes. The mobility factor allows us to work anytime, anywhere, on numerous devices. “Being ...
IRS Fully Reliant on Social Security Numbers
On the Policy, Practice & Procedures page of their website, the IRS addresses the public’s concern regarding Social Security numbers on checks: “Complete Social Security Numbers (SSN) on Checks or Money Orders Remitted to IRS Issue: Tax Professionals and clients have concerns about taxpayers putting their full SSN on checks ...
