Qotd

Equifax Security 2017 Consumer Notice

• Check impact status in regards to the Equifax security incident that took place in May to July of 2017
• Users can also enroll in FREE credit monitoring services
• Consumer information that was obtained via the hack includes names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and in some instances, driver’s license numbers

EquifaxSecurity2017.com/Consumer-Notice explains the incident and steps Equifax has undertaken to address it.  Experts concluded that around 145.5 million U.S. consumers were affected by the Equifax cyber security hack and criminals exploited a website application vulnerability to gain access to certain files.  Equifax learned of the incident on July 29, 2017 but did not report it to the public/media until weeks later (this caused additional backlash that could have been prevented in the first place if Equifax was open and up front about the incident).

www.EquifaxSecurity2017.com/Consumer-Notice Highlights/Lowlights

• Criminals obtained more than 200,000 US consumers credit card numbers 🙁
• Equifax that certain UK and Canada consumers were also impacted by this data breach 🙁
• As of right now Canada and UK consumers are being told to sit tight while Equifax work with international regulators to determine the next steps
• The investigation also found unauthorized access to limited personal information for certain UK and Canadian residents 🙁
• It appears that Equifax may be launching a new credit lock and monitoring free service that start in January 31, 2018 🙂
• As of right now consumers can receive one year free TrustedID Premier service from Equifax 🙂

Equifax states the incident is now contained and is doing everything possible to restore their badly damaged reputation.  Any questions in regards to the Equifax Security 2017 incident can be directed to the toll-free number 866-447-7559 available every day (including weekends) 7:00 a.m. — 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time (please note the dedicated Equifax call center agents have Spanish-speaking capabilities and will assist callers who have a hard time hearing… i.e. old people).

References

1. www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/consumer-notice
2. www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/frequently-asked-questions