Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

 :gaah:
Cybersecurity Incident & Important Consumer Information

Consumer Notice FAQs Potential Impact Enroll TrustedID Premier Contact Us

September 7, 2017 — Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) today announced a cybersecurity incident potentially impacting approximately 143 million U.S. consumers. Criminals exploited a U.S. website application vulnerability to gain access to certain files. Based on the company’s investigation, the unauthorized access occurred from mid-May through July 2017. The company has found no evidence of unauthorized activity on Equifax’s core consumer or commercial credit reporting databases.

The information accessed primarily includes names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers. In addition, credit card numbers for approximately 209,000 U.S. consumers, and certain dispute documents with personal identifying information for approximately 182,000 U.S. consumers, were accessed. As part of its investigation of this application vulnerability, Equifax also identified unauthorized access to limited personal information for certain UK and Canadian residents. Equifax will work with UK and Canadian regulators to determine appropriate next steps. The company has found no evidence that personal information of consumers in any other country has been impacted.

Read more:
https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/

 ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask::
A Progress Update for Consumers

September 8, 2017

We understand that some consumers are experiencing difficulties getting the answers and support they need through our website and call center. Ramping up the website and call center to handle the anticipated volume is ongoing and we are focused on making improvements as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this process has created.

Thus far today, we’ve made the following adjustments:

1). YOU CAN DETERMINE YOUR STATUS IMMEDIATELY
Some consumers who visited the website soon after its launch failed to receive confirmation clarifying whether or not they were potentially impacted. That issue is now resolved, and we encourage those consumers to revisit the site to receive a response that clarifies their status.

2). NO WAIVER OF RIGHTS FOR THIS CYBER SECURITY INCIDENT
In response to consumer inquiries, we have made it clear that the arbitration clause and class action waiver included in the Equifax and TrustedID Premier terms of use does not apply to this cybersecurity incident.

Read More:  :gaah:

https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/

The Switch
Equifax asks consumers for personal info, even after massive data breach
By Hamza Shaban and Hayley Tsukayama September 8, 2017 at 7:05 AM

Equifax said Thursday that it will offer free credit monitoring services to all U.S. consumers for one year, after announcing that roughly 143 million Americans' personal data could have been compromised when hackers gained access to its data earlier in the year.

(snipped)

“This is very unusual — most security systems are hard-wired only to reveal the last four digits of an SSN for identification purposes,” said Satya Gupta, co-founder & chief technology officer at Virsec Systems, a cybersecurity firm. “This strongly implies that the typical four digits may have been compromised, and they need additional, previously ‘secret’ information to positively identify customers. This reinforces the conundrum of these breaches — with more information exposed, how do you now prove a person’s identity?”

Read more:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2017/09/08/after-data-breach-equifax-asks-consumers-for-social-security-numbers-to-see-if-theyve-been-affected/?utm_term=.7fb368bc5f04

Today's charts: Equifax tumbles on data breach;...

Yahoo Finance Video • September 8, 2017  Video 1:09

https://finance.yahoo.com/video/todays-charts-equifax-tumbles-data-154317623.html

EQUIFAX
Equifax Data Breach: What to Do If You’ve Been Hacked
Jeff John Roberts
Sep 08, 2017


How can I tell if I was hacked?

Equifax has created this website that lets people see if they were affected. The site asks users to enter their last names and the last six digits of their Social Security numbers. If your data was compromised, you'll see a message like this (yes, it appears I got hit):


What does it mean if I was affected?


It means the hackers obtained some or all of the following personal information: Your birthday, your Social Security number, your addresses (past and present), your driver license number, and your credit card numbers. This set of data may give crooks enough information to apply for loans in your name. It may also help them break into your existing accounts by answering security questions based on your birthday, previous addresses, and so on.


Read More:  :gaah:

http://fortune.com/2017/09/08/equifax-what-to-do/

National Security

Equifax, U.S. consumers alike will struggle to overcome massive hack

WASHINGTON  By Tim Johnson  tjohnson@mcclatchydc.com  September 08, 2017 4:16 PM


Cybersecurity experts Friday pilloried the credit reporting giant Equifax for a data breach that could potentially affect 143 million U.S. consumers, a nightmare hack that sharply underscores a new era of information insecurity.

“These millions of victims will be at increased risk of fraud for the rest of their lives,” John Gunn of VASCO Data Security, an Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois firm, said in a statement.

The repercussions of one of the largest cyberattacks to hit the United States continued to ripple. Equifax shares plunged more than 13 percent in value on the New York Stock Exchange, and an underground site offered what it claimed was pilfered information from the Equifax hack.

Consumers who never sought a credit check with Atlanta-based Equifax may not be safe either, experts said.
 ::brandimonkeycop::
“Even if you are not a customer, Equifax likely has a lot of data about you,” said Kenneth Geers, senior research scientist at Comodo, a Clifton, New Jersey, company that authenticates websites and content on the internet.

Read More:

Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/national-security/article172078982.html#storylink=cpy

Equifax cyberattack triggers class-action lawsuit  

 USA TODAY
Kevin McCoy
17 hrs ago
9/8/2017

Credit-reporting giant Equifax was hit with a class-action lawsuit within hours after disclosing that a cyberattack had potentially compromised personal information for 143 million U.S. consumers.

Filed in Oregon federal court late Thursday, the civil action accuses the Georgia-based company of failing to maintain adequate electronic security safeguards as part of a corporate effort to save money.

The lawsuit on behalf of plaintiffs Mary McHill and Brook Reinhard seeks an order requiring Equifax to preserve all records related to the breach and formally designating the case as a class-action for all consumers affected by the cyberattack.

Read more:

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/equifax-cyberattack-triggers-class-action-lawsuit/ar-AArvSTX?ocid=mailsignout

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2017/09/two_oregon_residents_file_clas.html

Before you check Equifax's data breach website: What to know  :shock:

Posted on September 8, 2017 at 10:16 AM

Credit monitoring company Equifax says a breach exposed social security numbers and other data from about 143 million Americans. The Atlanta-based company said Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017, exploited a U.S. website application to access files between mid-May and July of this year.

By The Washington Post

Worried you may be affected by Equifax's massive data breach? The credit bureau has set up a site, equifaxsecurity2017.com, that allows you to check whether your personal information was exposed. But you may want to think twice about using it, and here's why.

The website's terms of service potentially restricts your legal rights.

Sharp-eyed social media users have combed through the data breach site's fine print - and have found what they argue is a red flag. Buried in the terms of service is language that bars those who enroll in the Equifax checker program from participating in any class-action lawsuits that may arise from the incident. Here's the relevant passage of the terms of service:

AGREEMENT TO RESOLVE ALL DISPUTES BY BINDING INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE SECTION CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS BY REQUIRING ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES (EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW) AND A WAIVER OF THE ABILITY TO BRING OR PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION, CLASS ARBITRATION, OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. ARBITRATION PROVIDES A QUICK AND COST EFFECTIVE MECHANISM FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES, BUT YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT IT ALSO LIMITS YOUR RIGHTS TO DISCOVERY AND APPEAL.

This language is commonly known in the industry as an "arbitration clause." In theory, arbitration clauses are meant to streamline the amount of work that's dumped onto the court system. But the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau concluded this summer that arbitration clauses do more harm to consumers than good - and the agency put in place a rule to ban them.

http://www.oregonlive.com/today/index.ssf/2017/09/before_you_check_equifaxs_data.html

Business

 ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad::

Outrage builds after Equifax executives banked $2 million in stock sales following data breach
The timing of the transactions could attract federal scrutiny, legal experts say.


By Renae Merle September 8 at 1:21 PM  Comments 32

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2017/09/08/outrage-builds-after-equifax-executives-banked-2-million-in-stock-sales-following-data-breach/?utm_term=.244b9a489608

Companies & Markets

Equifax's Hacking Nightmare Gets Even Worse for Victims

Bloomberg
2 hrs ago
Abt: 2:20 PM
9/9/2017

(Bloomberg) -- After Equifax Inc. revealed that sensitive data on two of every five Americans was exposed in a cyberattack, thousands logged onto a company website to see if they were at risk. For many, the site didn’t work at first. But for those who got through, a nasty surprise was waiting.

If your data had been stolen, Equifax offered a free year of credit monitoring known as “Trusted ID Premier.” But some fine print may also mean that consumers who agree would be giving up the right to sue over many types of damages related to the massive penetration. BBM

Read More:
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/companies/equifaxs-hacking-nightmare-gets-even-worse-for-victims/ar-AAryiEI?li=AA54rU

 ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask::
Equifax breach sows chaos among 143M Americans

Ken Sweet, AP Business Writer Associated Press September 9, 2017

(Snipped)

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Even if you don't know if you're one of the 143 million, you might want to consider extreme protective measures.

Your strongest immediate option involves placing a credit freeze on their files with the major credit bureaus. That locks down your information, making it impossible for outsiders to open new accounts and bank cards in your name. But it also blocks you from opening new accounts, and might involve fees depending on the state you live in.

"The credit freeze is the nuclear option of credit protection," said Matt Schulz, an analyst with CreditCards.com. "But in the wake of a breach this big, it's worth considering."

You should also be more diligent about checking your credit reports, where you can see if anyone has opened unauthorized accounts in your name . You can get those files for free once a year from the three major bureaus; use the official site, annualcreditreport.com .

It's best to spread those requests out by getting one every four months. And you'll need to be ready to keep checking for a while — potentially years.

"Bad guys can be very patient with data," Schulz said.

Read More:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/equifax-breach-sows-chaos-among-040608978.html

credit

Protect yourself with a fraud alert on your credit report
By Alice Genes • Bankrate.com  Posted: Sept. 8, 2017

 :smt102
What is a fraud alert?

Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, consumers have the right to place fraud alerts on their credit reports if they think they have been victims of identity theft -- or may become one. You can start by placing a 90-day initial alert and decide whether to renew before the end of this period.

How much is a fraud alert?

Fraud alerts are free.

Read more: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit/fraud-alert-on-credit-report.aspx#ixzz4sD5mJK9T
Follow us: @Bankrate on Twitter | Bankrate on Facebook

yep what a mess now Experian is offering a dark web scan
for your info, havent read it all,but you prob would have to
pay someone/co. to help scrub it,not even sure that pos b/c
if someone has your data, its prob also stored on a portable
type drive storage device, to be used when where they want
to use it

They got me! :(

Federal Trade Commission

Credit Freeze FAQs

(Frequently asked questions)


If you’re concerned about identity theft, those reported mega-data breaches, or someone gaining access to your credit report without your permission,
you might consider placing a credit freeze on your report.

    - What is a credit freeze?
    - Does a credit freeze affect my credit score?
    - Does a credit freeze stop prescreened credit offers?
    - Can anyone see my credit report if it is frozen?
    - How do I place a freeze on my credit reports?
    - How do I lift a freeze?
    - What’s the difference between a credit freeze and a fraud alert?


https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs

Former Gov. Roy Barnes, others file Equifax data breach class action

    Scott Trubey The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

10:44 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017 Technology

   

A team of lawyers, including former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, has filed a class-action lawsuit against Equifax over the massive data breach that has compromised the personal information of more than 140 million U.S. consumers.

The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta faults Equifax for “gargantuan failures to secure and safeguard consumers’ personally identifiable information … and for failing to provide timely, accurate and adequate notice” to consumers that such sensitive material had been stolen.

The lawsuit said plaintiffs Brian F. Spector, of Florida, and James McGonnigal, of Maryland, are each victims of the breach. McGonnigal alleges he has “recently had four credit accounts opened in his name without his authorization.”

Read More:

http://www.ajc.com/business/former-gov-roy-barnes-others-file-equifax-data-breach-class-action/x1byRfcdw2ABAkxpFerrBL/

Were you affected by the Equifax data breach? One click could cost you your rights in court

    - The credit reporting firm said Thursday it detected a data breach in July that affects 143 million consumers.
    - On Friday, Equifax added an opt-out clause to its terms of use, but it still requires arbitration instead of litigation to settle disputes for those who do not opt out.
    - Consumer advocates are lashing out at Equifax for requiring arbitration.


Liz Moyer   Published 3:33 PM ET Fri, 8 Sept 2017  | Updated 6:52 PM ET Fri, 8 Sept 2017

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/08/were-you-affected-by-the-equifax-data-breach-one-click-could-cost-you-your-rights-in-court.html

 ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask::
Equifax Faces Multibillion-Dollar Lawsuit Over Hack
Class action seeking to represent 143 million consumers alleges company didn’t spend enough on protecting data.

By Polly Mosendz  September 8, 2017, 8:55 AM EDT

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-08/equifax-sued-over-massive-hack-in-multibillion-dollar-lawsuit

Is Equifax’s Cyber Insurance Enough to Cover Breach?

By Sonali Basak | September 11, 2017   

Bloomberg  ::MonkeyNoNo::

Equifax Inc.’s insurance against cyber breaches is likely inadequate to cover the credit-reporting company’s costs tied to one of the biggest hacks in history, according to people familiar with the coverage.

The company holds a policy that would probably cover about $100 million to $150 million, with costs shared by carriers in the London market and elsewhere, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing a private contract. Though Equifax’s eventual expense may not be known for years, it could be multiples higher than the insurance payout, given what the company has disclosed and the costs at hacking victims like Yahoo and Target Corp., they said.

Read More

http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2017/09/11/463769.htm

The Equifax Situation Continues to Worsen

By Joel Hruska on September 11, 2017 at 7:28 am  17 Comments

https://www.extremetech.com/internet/255311-equifax-fine-print-keeps-getting-longer-situation-mostly-gets-worse

 ::MonkeyGavel::

Equifax hit with at least 23 class-action lawsuits over massive cyberbreach

Kevin McCoy, USA TODAY Published 4:55 p.m. ET Sept. 11, 2017 | Updated 5:20 p.m. ET Sept. 11, 2017

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/09/11/equifax-hit-least-23-class-action-lawsuits-over-massive-cyberbreach/653909001/

Hello Monkey's,

Has anyone seen Brandi's, cute, little Doctor (avatar)?  

I have a headache.  

 ::MonkeyHeart::
T.Y.

Tech :smt032

Chatbot lets you sue Equifax for up to $25,000 without a lawyer
by Shannon Liao Sep 11, 2017, 8:00pm EDT


Equifax’s security failure affected 143 million US consumers, or 44 percent of the US population. To add insult to injury, Equifax waited over a month before revealing the security breach it had suffered. If you’re one of the millions affected by the breach, a chatbot can now help you sue Equifax in small claims court, potentially letting you avoid hiring a lawyer for advice.

Even if you want to be part of the class action lawsuit against Equifax, you can still sue Equifax for negligence in small claims court using the DoNotPay bot and demand maximum damages. Maximum damages range between $2,500 in states like Rhode Island and Kentucky to $25,000 in Tennessee.

"You still have to serve the legal forms yourself"

The bot, which launched in all 50 states in July, is mainly known for helping with parking tickets. But with this new update, its creator, Joshua Browder, who was one of the 143 million affected by the breach, is tackling a much bigger target, with larger aspirations to match. He says, “I hope that my product will replace lawyers, and, with enough success, bankrupt Equifax.”

Read More

https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/11/16290730/equifax-chatbots-ai-joshua-browder-security-breach

 


 ::rhino::

A new website lets you automatically sue Equifax with a click
 
Ethan Wolff-Mann  Yahoo Finance  September 11, 2017


(Snipped)

How the chatbot works

Earlier this year, Browder had developed a custom software that allows him to quickly create a “chatbot,” a program that asks users questions. Using the answers, the chatbot can create useful forms — in this case, the documents needed to take Equifax to court.

With a team of mostly volunteer lawyers, Browder worked around-the-clock to get this new Equifax-suing robot on his DoNotPay website.
“I thought, what if there were a way to file small claims in all 50 states? So I researched a process and found it’d be easy to do,” Browder said. “The small claims court is rigorous and efficient.”

Read More

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/new-website-lets-automatically-sue-equifax-click-214730288.html

::CowboySmiley::

How to defend yourself against identity theft after the Equifax data breach

Adam Shell, USA TODAY Published 4:31 p.m. ET Sept. 11, 2017 | Updated 5:02 p.m. ET Sept. 11, 2017

(Snipped)

"A freeze takes your credit report out of circulation."


Read More:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/09/11/how-defend-yourseafter-equifax-data-breach-credit-report-freeze-strong-defense-against-identity-thef/654065001/

Reaction by Brandon on Yahoo
 ::MonkeyTongue::
Brandon
5 hours ago (abt. 9:00 am)

I'm going to step in here and just take my lumps--just pile the thumbs down on me before you even read this because you won't like what I have to say. I'm an attorney, and while I don't practice this kind of law, I started my career out working for a Circuit Court judge for two years. I can tell you that just like you wouldn't perform surgery on yourself if you needed it, you shouldn't be in court by yourself. Read More...

Read more of Brandon's comment # 10 down in the comment section, or 'reaction' as Yahoo terms it.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/new-website-lets-automatically-sue-equifax-click-214730288.html

 ::dogwag::

CBS News September 12, 2017, 12:31 PM

Equifax hack: Financial expert Mellody Hobson says "assume you are breached"

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/equifax-data-breach-assume-you-are-impacted/#comment

Business
Sep 12 2017, 8:58 pm ET

 ::dogwag::
The One Move to Make After Equifax Breach

by Ben Popken

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/one-move-make-after-equifax-breach-n800776

 ::MonkeyGavel::
Equifax is tumbling after a top Senator asks for an FTC probe into the company

Seth Archer  Business Insider  September 13, 2017  3 comments


Equifax shares are tumbling after Senator Mark Warner (D-Va) asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the recent hack that impacted more than 143 million Americans, as well as the company's cybersecurity practices.

Read More:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/equifax-tumbling-top-senator-asks-171100031.html

 



How Equifax hackers could file taxes in your name and get a refund from the IRS

Market Watch September 13, 2017  :study: Viewer Reaction (51)

Here’s a good reason to file your taxes early this year. The data breach at credit bureau Equifax that may have affected 143 million U.S. adults could have lasting effects — including at tax time. If hackers gained access to the information on consumers’ credit reports, including their Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and driver’s license numbers, they could open credit accounts in consumers’ names, security experts have said. To guard against that, the Federal Trade Commission warned consumers Friday to file their taxes early — “as soon as you have the tax information you need, before a scammer can.” Tax scams are already a problem. They have caused “thousands of people” to lose

Read More:

https://finance.yahoo.com/m/ad7f678e-3472-3f98-9631-c81dda0de2b4/how-equifax-hackers-could.html

ME:  :idea: Fingerprints!  The IRS needs to take our fingerprints for our identity instead of SSN. That should put the crooks out of business.  IMO

Sep 13, 2017 @ 10:04 AM 5,020

3 Reasons A Credit Freeze Won't Protect You

Nick Clements , Contributor   Pages (2)

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.


1. Misuse of Existing Accounts Remains A Major Risk

2. Medical and Employment Identity Theft Still A Big Risk

3. Tax Fraud: Now A Bigger Risk

Read More:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nickclements/2017/09/13/3-reasons-a-credit-freeze-wont-protect-you/#14e4673942e1

 ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask::
Nearly 40 states probe Equifax's handling of massive data breach

Reuters  September 13, 2017

(Reuters) - Nearly 40 states have joined a probe of Equifax's handling of a massive data breach that exposed valuable information on up to 143 million Americans, according to the Illinois attorney general's office, which is leading the probe.

Eileen Boyce, a spokeswoman for Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, declined to identify the other states...



https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nearly-40-states-probe-equifaxs-230810907.html

https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/EFX?p=EFX  

Column Here are all the ways the Equifax data breach is worse than you can imagine

 Michael Hiltzik  Contact Reporter September 8, 2017

(Snipped)
 ::lookie::
In some cases, Equifax says, the security questions and answers used on some websites to verify users’ identity may also have been exposed. Having that information in hand would allow hackers to change their targets’ passwords and other account settings.

Read more:

http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-equifax-breach-20170908-story.html

Equifax CEO facing increased criticism for data breach

Fox Business Published on Sep 13, 2017

Cybersecurity expert Morgan Wright discusses why the Equifax data breach probably affects more than 143 million people,
and what the penalty should be for the company’s CEO, Richard Smith.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skupZ9YTdoU

 :shock: Morgan Wright: The number they give you is not the real number.  The number will get higher.

IMPORTANT INVESTOR ALERT:  ::MonkeyTongue::

Khang & Khang LLP Announces Securities Class Action Lawsuit against Equifax Inc.

and Encourages Investors with Losses to Contact the Firm


Business Wire  September 14, 2017 
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

(Snipped)
 ::lookie::

The Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Equifax issued materially false and/or misleading statements, and/or failed to disclose, that the Company failed to maintain proper security systems, controls and monitoring systems in place to protect its data systems and detect security breaches. On September 7, 2017, Equifax announced that its systems were hacked in a cybersecurity incident that may have affected about 143 million U.S. consumers. According to the Company, hackers accessed names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and driver’s license numbers. Hackers also accessed credit card numbers for about 209,000 consumers. When this news was announced, the Company’s stock price declined materially, which caused investors harm according to the Complaint.


Read More:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/important-investor-alert-khang-khang-164500707.html

Finally, Some Answers From Equifax to Your Data Breach Questions

Your Money

By RON LIEBER  SEPT. 14, 2017


In the last few days, several hundred of you have sent me questions or tweeted about the Equifax breach and its credit freeze process. I don’t blame you, given that you’ve melted their websites and phone banks since the company announced last week that up to 143 million people may have had their Social Security numbers and other data stolen.

In the absence of much, if any, cogent response from Equifax in the early days of its crisis, I’ve been sending your questions to its representatives and putting them, unanswered, in my columns when I can’t get a reply.

Now, the company is finally answering some of them. Here’s what I’ve learned about, among other things, Equifax’s credit freeze process, whereby people lock up their files so that no thief can get new credit by impersonating them. One cautionary lesson: The company doesn’t always get its answers right.

 ::monkeyflag3::

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/14/your-money/equifax-answers-data-breach.html?mcubz=0

Susan Mauldin :smt020 Equifax CISO

Posted on September 9, 2017 by Hollywood LA News

Susan Mauldin was the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Equifax Inc when the massive data hack occurred.

Maulding’s education credentials include a bachelor’s degree in music composition (magna cum laude) and a Master of Fine Arts degree in music composition (summa cum laude), both from the University of Georgia.

She has been with Equifax as CSO / CISO since 2013. She was previously Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer at First Data Corporation, until July 2013. Mauldin was SunTrust Banks’ Group Vice President from 2007 to 2009. It is still unconfirmed whether her stint at SunTrust was in fact overseeing call-center operations.


Read Much More
https://www.hollywoodlanews.com/equifax-chief-security-officer/

 



 ::MonkeyEek:: ::MonkeyEek:: ::MonkeyEek::

Equifax data breach: Beware these 3 scams

By Kathy Krist of MoneyWatch  September 15, 2017, 5:45 AM  27 Comments



 :compress:
Imposter scams

The Federal Trade Commission warned Thursday that it expected a new wave of imposter scams, with con artists posing as representatives of Equifax "calling to verify your account information." Given that Equifax is providing free credit monitoring and credit freezes in wake of its data breach, the call may sound legitimate, the agency warned. But don't ever provide any privy information over the phone.Tax identity theft


 ::MonkeyCool::
 Tax identity theft

The Internal Revenue Service has been fighting tax identity theft for years. These scams involve criminals getting victims' names, addresses and Social Security numbers to file fraudulent tax refund claims. The agency cites data breaches as one of the main ways that con artists get the relevant information to pull off tax identity theft.


:study:
Spear-Phishing

The data made available through the Equifax breach is also likely to spur a wave of so-called "spear-phishing" scams that could put more than your credit at risk. Phishing scams are often unsophisticated email and phone cons aimed at getting you to reveal privy data, such as your Social Security number. Spear-phishing cons are far more sophisticated.

Read More:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/equifax-data-breach-beware-these-3-scams/

 ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask::
Credit Karma to launch free ID monitoring following Equifax hack

Reuters September 15, 2017

By Anna Irrera

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Credit Karma Inc is launching a new free service that will alert customers if their identity data has been compromised in hacks, the San Francisco-based fintech company said on Friday in the wake of massive breach at credit monitoring agency Equifax Inc.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/credit-karma-launch-free-id-164912403.html

 ::canadaflag2::


Canadian privacy commissioner launches probe of Equifax breach

Reuters September 15, 2017

TORONTO, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Canada's privacy commissioner said on Friday that it has launched an investigation into the massive data breach at Equifax Inc after receiving complaints from Canadian consumers.

Equifax is still working to determine the number of Canadians affected by this incident, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada said in a statement. (Reporting by Alastair Sharp; Editing by Jim Finkle)

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/canadian-privacy-commissioner-launches-probe-201034126.html

 ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::MonkeyTears::

Equifax: 15 Million California Residents Impacted in Data Breach

Posted on September 13, 2017 by Hollywood LA News

https://www.hollywoodlanews.com/equifax-15-million-california-residents-impacted-data-breach/

 :smt034

Equifax hired a music major as chief security officer and she has just retired

MarketWatch  Brent Arends, Opinion, Columnist  Published: Sept 15, 2017 8:04 p.m. ET

When Congress hauls in Equifax CEO Richard Smith to grill him, it can start by asking why he put someone with degrees in music in charge of the company’s data security. And then they might also ask him if anyone at the company has been involved in efforts to cover up Susan Mauldin’s lack of educational qualifications since the data breach became public. It would be fascinating to hear Smith try to explain both of those extraordinary items. If those events don’t put the final nails in his professional coffin, accountability in the U.S. is officially dead. And late Friday both Mauldin and the company’s chief information officer were reported to have retired effective immediately. Susan Mauldin’s ...

Read More

https://finance.yahoo.com/m/e6e1c683-c3cb-3a4b-b7c4-3cd570cf0914/ss_equifax-hired-a-music-major.html

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/equifax-ceo-hired-a-music-major-as-the-companys-chief-security-officer-2017-09-15?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo

::MonkeyTongue::::MonkeyTongue::::MonkeyTongue::

Three new things Equifax is saying about its data breach

Friday, September 15, 2015 5:20 PM Paul Muschick  Contact Reporter  The Watchdog

Snipped

Question:
Why can’t I get a credit freeze through the Equifax website?

 Answer:
“We are experiencing a high volume of requests for security freezes, and have experienced some technical issues. We are working diligently to ensure an improved consumer experience.” 

Question:
When I submitted a credit freeze online, why wasn’t I sent the PIN I would need to lift or remove the freeze later?

Question:
How do I get a refund for a credit freeze I paid for before Equifax waived the fee?

Read More

http://www.dailypress.com/mc-nws-equifax-data-breach-update-credit-freeze-20170915-story.html

A Credit Freeze Won't Help With All Equifax Breach Threats

September 19, 2017
Jeff Blyskal
Consumer Reports

 ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask::
Here are four important ways you can protect yourself.

-Health Insurance
-Social Security Benefits
-Tax Refunds

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/credit-freeze-wont-help-equifax-232749199.html

::monkeyflag3::


 ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask::
Senators ask Equifax how it will help servicemembers hit by data breach

by Anna Giaritelli | Sep 19, 2017, 3:17 PM

Sens. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., and Dean Heller, R-Nev., have asked credit monitoring service Equifax to explain how it is protecting the 1.3 million active-duty servicemembers affected by a massive data breach this year.

Read More

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/senators-ask-equifax-how-it-will-help-servicemembers-hit-by-data-breach/article/2634928

 ::MonkeyConfused::

Data breaches like Equifax could make it cheap, easy to alter voter registrations

Updated: September 11, 2017 — 8:58 AM EDT

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/election-voter-fraud-using-data-breach-equifax-20170911.html

 ::lookie::

Yellen Says Fed Is Monitoring Banks for Harm From Equifax Breach

By Elizabeth Dexheimer
September 20, 2017, 4:33 PM EDT

The Federal Reserve is working with the banks it supervises to guard against fraudulent transactions and other potential harm stemming from the “very serious” Equifax Inc. data breach, Chair Janet Yellen said Wednesday.

Consumers should monitor their credit reports and personal finances in response to Equifax’s disclosure that personal information on 143 million Americans may have been compromised, Yellen said at a news conference in Washington. The Fed is working to ensure banks take appropriate actions if fraudulent transactions are found or if data is contaminated, she said.

Read More

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-20/yellen-says-fed-is-monitoring-banks-for-harm-from-equifax-breach?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=bd&utm_campaign=headline&cmpId=yhoo.headline&yptr=yahoo

 ::lookie::

Equifax data breach: What we know and how to protect yourself from what’s coming next

Alex Thomas Sadler

September 20, 2017 7:20 pm

http://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/equifax-breach-how-to-protect-yourself-from-whats-coming-next/

---------------------------------------

 :smt102
Who is Clark Howard?  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_Howard


:smt023   http://clark.com/

:smt023  http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/clark-howard-10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-equifax-data-breach/611194218

:smt023   http://www.youtube.com/results?sp=EgIIA1AU&q=clark+howard (Clark Howard, YouTube, links)

ME: ::dogwag:: Careful clicking on anything on the internet.  I try to copy and paste. IMO

 :study:

Credit Freeze Guide: The best way to protect yourself against identity theft

Clark Howard

September 19, 2017 3:45 pm

http://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/credit-freeze-and-thaw-guide/

What exactly is a credit freeze?  :shaking2:

A credit freeze allows you to seal your credit reports and use a personal identification number (PIN) that only you know and can use to temporarily “thaw” your credit when legitimate applications for credit and services need to be processed. The added layer of security means that thieves can’t establish new credit in your name even if they are able to obtain your personal information.

Freezing your credit files has no impact whatsoever on your existing lines of credit, such as credit cards. You can continue to use them as you regularly would even when your credit is frozen.

Freezes have been available for free to victims of identity theft for some years, but recently all three of the major credit bureaus adopted new rules that now allow non-victims to have access to credit freezes as well for a small fee. In addition, most states and Puerto Rico have adopted laws establishing credit freezes for residents of their state.

Residents of various states may also freeze the credit reports of their minor children. Visit the National Conference of State Legislatures to see what the law is in your state.

The cost ranges from about $3 to $10 per person per bureau to freeze a credit report; a couple of states have higher fees.

*When you do a credit freeze, it is imperative that you freeze your credit with all three bureaus.*

http://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/credit-freeze-and-thaw-guide/

 ::CowboySmiley:: ::CowboySmiley::

Equifax Data Breach: Protect yourself from tax fraud by getting a PIN from the IRS

Clark Howard Staff  September 22, 2017 9:07 am

Equifax Data Breach: Protect yourself from tax fraud by getting a PIN from the IRS

http://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/equifax-data-breach-protect-yourself-from-tax-fraud-by-getting-a-pin-from-the-irs/

 ::lookie::

Is someone stealing your mail? There’s a new way to find out

Mike Timmermann   August 4, 2017

You’ll need a USPS.com account to sign up for Informed Delivery.

See if Informed Delivery is available in your area

 https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action

 :smt023  https://www.usps.com/

 ::MonkeySkate::

http://clark.com/home-category/usps-stolen-missing-mail/?utm_campaign=trueanthem%3A+trending+content&utm_content=59c87f4c04d3013fb8a0df1e&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook

   


:batman: 'Catch Me If You Can' scam artist says it's easier to fool people today

 Money
Lisa Marie Segarra
9/25/2017


Frank Abagnale Jr., who was portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can, says it’s a lot easier to scam people the way he did today.

(snipped)

He added that using social media makes it easy to find information like someone’s maiden name, their children’s name, their car or when they’re on vacation. More specifically, he noted that the “grandparents scam” is particularly common — when someone calls a grandparent using a spoof number and pretends their grandchild needs to be bailed out of jail.

Read More

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/catch-me-if-you-can-scam-artist-says-its-easier-to-fool-people-today/ar-AAsmqL6?li=BBnbfcL&ocid=mailsignout

ME:  You can't hide under a rock.  I learned only tell people what they need to know.  

The free genealogy information from marriage licenses, death certificates, wills and probate, family trees, obits, in my opinion, gives a thief information. IMO

 

 ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask::
Equifax data breach: Frustrated consumers report credit freeze problems

Mikee Timmermann  | September 13, 2017 4:30 pm


Problems reported with Equifax’s credit freeze site

A credit freeze, which is also called a security freeze, locks down your credit and can only be lifted with a personal identification number (PIN) that you receive when you enroll.

Clark: Do not call Equifax’s help line  ::MonkeyEek::

One thing that Clark doesn’t want you to do is call the Equifax help line listed on the company’s data breach website.

When I personally called the number to ask about Equifax waiving the fees for security freezes, the call center representative couldn’t answer my question. She said she could only help me sign up for Equifax’s credit monitoring service.

(snipped)


This data breach is so severe that the criminals will be able to use this information for decades, so if you’re getting a message from Equifax that your request can’t be processed at this time — please keep trying!

Read more: Equifax hack: 5 things to expect when you freeze your credit

Read More:

http://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/equifax-data-breach-frustrated-consumers-report-credit-freeze-problems/?utm_campaign=trueanthem%3A+trending+content&utm_content=59cc65bb3ed3f00007b1bccd&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook

www.clark.com

 ::rhino::

Equifax to offer free lifetime credit lock service

Mike Timmermann  September 28, 2017 11:14 am


Equifax’s interim CEO apologized in a Wall Street Journal op-ed piece for the massive data breach that may have exposed the personal information of 143 million Americans.

Paulino do Rego Barros Jr. said the Atlanta-based credit bureau will offer a free credit lock service by early next year.


“By Jan. 31, Equifax will offer a new service allowing all consumers the option of controlling access to their personal credit data. The service we are developing will let consumers easily lock and unlock access to their Equifax credit files. You will be able to do this at will. It will be reliable, safe and simple. Most significantly, the service will be offered free, for life.”

Read More...



http://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/equifax-free-credit-lock-service/

https://www.facebook.com/clarkhoward/?hc_ref=ARRLzowN_t3TCzATRt4F7CsF9ZWg0YGHxAtQWaN9KG5QdNHZS6_oLTkkmTow341ZIYw&fref=nf

http://clark.com/

Business News :money:
September 29, 2017 / 12:43 PM / Updated 13 hours ago
Bankers anxious over consumer reactions to Equifax breach
David Henry, Ross Kerber

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-equifax-cyber-creditfreeze/bankers-anxious-over-consumer-reactions-to-equifax-breach-idUSKCN1C42HX

 ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask:: ::monkeymask::
Equifax Data Breach: 2.5 million more consumers affected, ex-CEO faces Congress

Craig Johnson  October 3, 2017 11:32 am


As many as 145.5 million consumers at risk in Equifax data breach, company says

The latest disclosure comes as former CEO Rick Smith is set to testify in Washington before a trio of committees about the data breach. The first hearing began Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET. It is being live-streamed on C-SPAN 3 as well as the Energy and Commerce Committee website.


http://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/equifax-data-breach-2-5-million-more-consumers-affected-ex-ceo-faces-congress/

https://www.c-span.org/video/?434786-1/lawmakers-grill-former-equifax-ceo-data-b

https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/EFX?p=EFX