It’s a good idea to freeze your loan. But not just because

The Ministry of Finance provided the Ministry of Elon Musk with the Ministry of Government access to his payment systems This week, a decision that has attracted large quantities of criticism from federal officers, legislators and citizens.

An agreement after a court case brought by a group of federal unions of employees has temporarily stopped sharing sensitive data with the DOG, while a judge cannot hear legal arguments According to ReutersS

Two Doge members have already gained access to “reading only” to the expenses of the Ministry of Finance for tax reimbursement, federal subsidies and programs such as Social securityMedicare, Medicaid and others. The plaintiffs claim that Musk and Dodge have not searched them. Non -governmental advisory group created by Executive Order from President Donald TrumpHe also gained access to the social security number of most taxpayers in the process.

This caused a lot of chattering on social media platforms such as X and Tiktok for the importance of Freezing your loanwith countless social security numbers of the American, potentially at risk against the background of the government warden, and the politician claims that this Dodge bypasses established cybersecurity practices and regulations.

As a cybersecurity editor, I support Americans who freeze their loan, regardless of the reason.

But there is also an elephant in the room that needs to be recognized: Your social security number may already be compromised.

Why your SSN may already be compromised

There was no violation of the data related to the Dodge’s activity – not yet. But there are countless others who have exposed the personal identifiable data to everyday people. Last year had at least 196 data compromises and more than 860 million The victim notices sent by companies, according to new studies by Resource Center for Identity TheftS Huks of the FOND search company National public data and a subsidiary of UNITEDHEALTH GROUP Change of healthcare He exposed the personal information to only hundreds of millions of people.

If a cybercriminator gets your hands on your social security number, it can cause a lot of damage. For example, they can take out credit lines In your name or file taxes on your behalf yes Steal your tax returnS

Cybercriminals are also known Craftsmanship with phishing Via phone, text or email to undress you from hard -earned money or sensitive information. Some bad actors have even accepted the use of AI to help speed up the effort and create new crooks like fakesS

How can I protect my identity if my SSN is exposed?

There are many steps that you can take to protect your identity if you are afraid that your social security number has been exposed to data or if you want to be active.

Freeze your credit reports

Freezing your credit reports with each of Three main credit offices (Transunion, Experian and Equifax) prevents anyone from opening credit lines in your name. This includes you. So if you want Remove a mortgagea car loan or Apply for a new credit card While your loan is frozen, you must first “thaw” or thaw your credit reports.

Your loan freezing is completely free. I actually did it alone last year and find the process To be quite easy. You can also freeze your children’s credit reports, although this will require some additional steps.

Sign up to protect against identity theft

Identity theft services help to monitor your personal data in the dark network. They too Follow your credit reports and bank accounts If you are too lazy to do it yourself, which I really like.

Most plans come with insurance to protect identity theft and services to restore white gloves. The latter means a special restoration specialist will handle the greater part of the work of the rough when restoring your identity, including Filing credit bureaus disputes and contact with various financial institutions.

Individual plans for theft of personal documents Prices of $ 7 to $ 15, but there are many family options and even packages provided to the available pairs. If you are just interested in following your credit report, you can also Consider a loan monitoring serviceS

Lock your Social Security Number

You can Lock your Social Security Number with the Social Security Administration by telephone or by creating an electronic verification.

The locking of your SSN does not allow bad participants to collect state benefits and Application for work in your nameS Like freezing your loan, you need to remove the lock of your SSN to perform these actions.

Do not carry your social security card

Your social security card should be stored in a safe place, ideally a safe that only you know the combination. Never carry it with you unless it is absolutely necessary.

Do not exceed your SSN either

Be cautious to whom you reveal your SSN. Your SSN is a requirement when you apply for a job or file a tax return. But it’s a good idea to ask anyone who wants your SSN why it needs it. Some common tasks such as receiving a driver’s license or applying for a subsidized home will not require you to share your SSN.