Social security numbers continue to be compromised — we need a solution
The fear associated with breaches has subsided. As a nation, we have become entirely desensitized to this threat, making news of the latest security breach nothing but more significant than today’s weather. We have accepted this as a way of life, thanks to our increasingly digital society. The more technology we introduce into our lives, the more likely we are to share personal data within that technology. Unfortunately, those applications, programs, networks, or devices are not always secure. According to NBC News, 158 million American’s have had their social security numbers compromised. Exposing this data compromises our ability to file taxes, apply for lines of credit, open bank accounts, enroll in school, and apply for Medicare.
Knowing this method of identification is no longer secure, one would think an alternative would be established. Or perhaps even an add-on to existing technology to enhance the security of what we already have. But, it has not.
There have been suggestions of a smart card implementation. This would replace your paper social security card with a plastic version that also has a security chip, similar to what is on current debit and credit cards. However, in order to deploy this technology, each institution would have to have readers for the cards. It is believed implementing these new systems would be far too costly.
There are also beliefs this security concern falls short on the government’s list of “to-dos”. With other cyber security threats looming, and politicans who pushed for increased security measures leaving office, the sense of urgency has since subsided.
Long story short, there’s a problem — and there doesn’t appear to be a viable solution.
