CYBER SECURITY AND YOU

Cyber-Security and You

As is commonly known now, Equifax Incorporated (NYSE: EFX) had a data breech from May through July 2017 involving 143 million United States consumers. In 2016 the United States adult population was 245 million. This criminal intrusion potentially exposes 60% of adults in the nation.

Putting the rhetoric of what was or should be public policy regarding privacy aside, the question becomes "What should I do?"

First, go to www.equifaxsecurity2017.com and determine whether you are affected. Equifax will provide access to their "TrustedID Premier" product, that offers:

1.    Copies of Equifax credit reports

2.    Ability to "lock" your Equifax credit report

3.    Monitoring of credit reports from

a.    Equifax

b.    Experian, and

c.     TransUnion

4.    Internet scanning for use of your Social Security number, and

5.    Identity theft insurance.

I would also suggest you go to www.optoutprescreen.com. This site allows you to opt out of pre-screened credit and insurance offers that utilize credit scoring based on your credit report. You can opt out for five years on-line, or permanently by filing a mailed form.

It's important to be pro-active in protecting yourself. Remember that you can receive a free credit report from all three agencies once a year. I get one each four months, rotating the credit agency. Check out AnnualCreditReport.com.

Please contact me if I can assist you in any way, or to answer any questions you might have. I can be reached at Paul@ManigrassoCPA.com.