Equifax Data Breach

I came across a good article on the Equifax security breach that I wanted to share. Click here to read the article that I will shortly summarize. But first, here's what happened:

• Hackers exploited a vulnerability in their website (mid-May thru July 2017)
• Company discovered the security breach on July 29th 2017
• 143M US based users information was compromised, which included:
    - Name and Address
    - Social Security number
    - Driver's License number
    - Birth dates
• 209k Credit Card numbers accessed
•182k dispute documentation and/or personally identifiable records accessed
• No reported loss for non-domestic accounts

Here's what the company is doing about it:

• Hired cyber-security firm to further investigate and scope out the intrusion
• Providing Free Identity Theft Protection and Credit Monitor services
    - Get more information and signup here
• Freezing Credit Accounts per customers requests
    - Call 1-800-349-9960 to request a credit freeze

Of course, many people are concerned about their credit being hijacked and are wondering what's being done about it and how to go about protecting themselves. The article delves into these concerns and drives home the fact that the process for requesting a credit freeze is failing; both online and with their call center. What's more is that the company initially charged consumers to freeze their accounts. That's like giving out both a slap in the face and rubbing salt in the wound!!

Considering the magnitude of this issue, the company's failed services in response and their lack of empathy for consumers, some folks are looking to sue. If you're one of those people, I came across this article that claims a chatbot can help consumers take legal action with a lawyer and for up to a request of $25,000 in damages.

See the video here:

There's always more to the story, especially with banks and credit institutions. But until they release more information, everyone should take some precaution and at least inquire about whether they were affected. Visit https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/ to learn more and enroll in ID Theft and Credit Monitoring.