Tips of the Week
Cybersecurity TIP of the Week
“Sec_rity isn’t complete without U”
Protect Personal Information, Especially Social Security Numbers
In the US, the Social Security Number (SSN) has been around since 1936. Originally, it was used only to keep track of earnings for US workers for Social Security entitlement and benefits, but it has become almost a universal identifier.
Your SSN is often requested and used by organizations to help identify you and to access your confidential records. If someone asks for your SSN, ask if there is some other way to verify your identity.
Only give your information out if you have verified the requesters identity, for example, by calling a known and publicly posted phone number. Never give out your SSN to an unknown person who calls you. With your name and your SSN, a thief already has a great grasp on your identity. Keep it safe.
Visit UTHSC Cybersecurity website for more information.
|