Your Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the most critical pieces of your personal and financial identity. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime target for cybercriminals. A leaked SSN can lead to identity theft, fraudulent loans, or even tax fraud, leaving you to clean up the mess. At Monmouth Cyber, we’ve helped businesses and individuals navigate data breaches, and we’re here to guide you on how to detect and respond to a leaked SSN.
How to Check if Your SSN Has Been Leaked
The first step is identifying whether your SSN has been compromised. Here are some actionable steps to help you detect suspicious activity:
- Monitor Your Credit Reports
You’re entitled to a free credit report annually from each of the major bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Look for unfamiliar accounts, inquiries, or changes to your credit score.
Example: Someone once discovered multiple credit card applications they didn’t authorize, all traced back to a compromised SSN. Regular credit monitoring could have caught the issue earlier. - Use Identity Theft Protection Services
Services like LifeLock, IdentityForce, or Credit Karma offer real-time alerts for SSN usage. They notify you when your SSN is used to open accounts, apply for loans, or perform other financial actions. - Set Up Alerts with the Social Security Administration (SSA)
The SSA offers a free service called my Social Security that lets you monitor activity linked to your SSN. You can receive alerts for suspicious activities, such as changes to your benefits or SSN verification failures. - Check for Data Breach Notifications
Websites like HaveIBeenPwned.com can tell you if your data has been exposed in a known breach.
Example: After a major healthcare data breach, the owner used this tool and discovered their SSN was part of the stolen information. Early detection allowed them to take immediate action.
What to Do If Your SSN Is Compromised
If you suspect or confirm that your SSN has been leaked, act quickly to mitigate the damage. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
- File a Report with the FTC
Visit IdentityTheft.gov to create an official report. This site also provides a personalized recovery plan to help you navigate the situation. - Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit File
Contact any one of the three credit bureaus to add a fraud alert. This will require lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. - Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened without your permission. It’s a powerful way to block identity thieves from exploiting your SSN.
Example: A business owner froze their credit immediately after a breach and avoided several attempted fraudulent loans. - Notify Financial Institutions
Inform your bank and credit card providers about the potential compromise. They can monitor your accounts for unusual activity and help you secure them. - File a Police Report (If Necessary)
If fraudulent activity has already occurred, a police report can support your claims with creditors and help resolve disputes.
What This Means for Businesses
If your business stores Social Security Numbers—whether for employees or clients—you have an even greater responsibility to safeguard them. A data breach involving SSNs can lead to regulatory fines, loss of trust, and significant financial fallout.
Proactive Measures for Businesses:
- Encrypt Sensitive Data: Ensure all stored SSNs and other sensitive information are encrypted both at rest and in transit.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct routine vulnerability assessments to identify and address weak points in your system.
- Employee Training: Educate your team on how to handle sensitive data and recognize potential cyber threats.
Example: After conducting a security audit for a construction company, Monmouth Cyber discovered their payroll system lacked proper encryption. Updating their system significantly reduced their exposure to potential breaches.
How Monmouth Cyber Can Help
Whether you’re an individual or a business, protecting sensitive data like Social Security Numbers is critical. At Monmouth Cyber, we offer robust security solutions, including encryption, secure data storage, and employee training, to help you prevent breaches before they happen.
If you’re concerned about your data security, contact us today for a FREE Security Risk Assessment. Together, we’ll create a plan to safeguard your information and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
