Author Topic: Equifax Data Breach  (Read 6070 times)

Ben

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Equifax Data Breach
« on: September 08, 2017, 10:42:00 AM »
Man, this is fail on so many levels  I don't know where to start, so I'll just post the link. I need to try and find a safe site to check to see if I've been compromised, because apparently Equifax's site for that is completely unsecured.

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/09/why-the-equifax-breach-is-very-possibly-the-worst-leak-of-personal-info-ever/?amp=1

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K Frame

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2017, 11:02:34 AM »
Lovely. Just *expletive deleted*ing lovely.

Maybe whoever has my Equifax information can cross reference with the OPM information that the freaking Chicoms got 2 years ago.

It's absolutely unconscionable that this crap still happens in this day and age. 
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Perd Hapley

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #2 on: September 08, 2017, 11:34:21 AM »
So that's what, all of the pertinent info on a pretty large percentage of all Americans that have ever tried to get a loan or credit card in the past few decades?
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TechMan

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #3 on: September 08, 2017, 11:36:58 AM »
This is a really good article about Credit Freezes vs Fraud Alerts and contains some other suggestions as well.

https://krebsonsecurity.com/2015/06/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-embrace-the-security-freeze/
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Hawkmoon - Never underestimate another person's capacity for stupidity. Any time you think someone can't possibly be that dumb ... they'll prove you wrong.

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RoadKingLarry

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #4 on: September 08, 2017, 04:13:52 PM »
And of course the execs at Equifax are claiming they sold all their company stock before they found out about the breach...
If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.

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RevDisk

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #5 on: September 08, 2017, 04:47:28 PM »
As long as there is no punishment, why exactly would said companies remotely care? Sure, it's bad PR, but that's fleeting due to a parity of incompetence.

Also, do NOT use their unsecure "Have I been hacked?" website running a stock copy of Wordpress. Buried in the agreement is that you agree not to participate in any class-action lawsuits that may arise from the incident and agree to arbitration. Arbitration is fairly universally biased in the corporation's favor. You don't buy the services of arbitration every day. Said companies do. And said companies can shop around for friendly arbitration companies. Unshockingly, this statistically impacts the outcomes of arbitration. The arbitration companies firmly deny this is the case and that they act firmly contrary to their fiscal incentives.
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Fitz

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #6 on: September 08, 2017, 05:14:55 PM »
As long as there is no punishment, why exactly would said companies remotely care? Sure, it's bad PR, but that's fleeting due to a parity of incompetence.

Also, do NOT use their unsecure "Have I been hacked?" website running a stock copy of Wordpress. Buried in the agreement is that you agree not to participate in any class-action lawsuits that may arise from the incident and agree to arbitration. Arbitration is fairly universally biased in the corporation's favor. You don't buy the services of arbitration every day. Said companies do. And said companies can shop around for friendly arbitration companies. Unshockingly, this statistically impacts the outcomes of arbitration. The arbitration companies firmly deny this is the case and that they act firmly contrary to their fiscal incentives.

Meh. not suing them is a nonissue.

If you have the money to take them on singlehandedly, then you likely wont get anything from them you don't already have.

under a class action suit, you'd stand to gain, even if you took them for everything they HAD, 50 bucks  or so
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RevDisk

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #7 on: September 08, 2017, 06:05:31 PM »
Meh. not suing them is a nonissue.

If you have the money to take them on singlehandedly, then you likely wont get anything from them you don't already have.

under a class action suit, you'd stand to gain, even if you took them for everything they HAD, 50 bucks  or so

Agree with everything you said. Class action suit, the victims get pennies. Lawyers make good money, though.

As for punishment, I was moreso thinking that until companies are held liable for actual damages, not much is going to change. A most of those 'credit monitoring' services are not very useful either. Social security numbers or drivers licenses should only be held as a hash. Sure, even salted, someone could rainbow table it, but it'd make it less easy.
"Rev, your picture is in my King James Bible, where Paul talks about "inventors of evil."  Yes, I know you'll take that as a compliment."  - Fistful, possibly highest compliment I've ever received.

Scout26

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #8 on: September 08, 2017, 07:06:48 PM »
Apparently the C- level employees sold something like $1.8 billion in stock in the days after the breech was discovered, but weeks before the public was informed.

So until those folks are not just fired, but jailed (I'm looking at you Wells-Fargo), nothing is going to change.  When there are no consequences, then people will behave like there are no consequences...
Some days even my lucky rocketship underpants won't help.


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RoadKingLarry

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #9 on: September 08, 2017, 08:30:37 PM »
Apparently the C- level employees sold something like $1.8 billion in stock in the days after the breech was discovered, but weeks before the public was informed.

So until those folks are not just fired, but jailed (I'm looking at you Wells-Fargo), nothing is going to change.  When there are no consequences, then people will behave like there are no consequences...

I think the correct term is "Too big to jail".
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Samuel Adams

lupinus

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Re:
« Reply #10 on: September 08, 2017, 08:52:31 PM »
Once verified and due process etc etc every cent from those stock sales should be taken, with a horrible interest rate, as a fine and used for folks who get screwed up by this breach and/or used for paying said class action. Then they should go to jail.

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zahc

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #11 on: September 09, 2017, 08:42:30 AM »
These shenanigans are an easy fix for the government. The entire "identity theft" phenomenon is a shameless invention of ye financial industrial complex as a way to offload liability for their own incompetence onto the backs of Americans. However, it will not be fixed because the US government is owned by the financial industrial complex.

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Ben

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #12 on: September 09, 2017, 11:56:51 AM »
I still haven't found a reliable free way to check if I've been hacked.The Equifax site is still a no go. I read this morning some security guys have been testing it by putting in things like their dog's names with fake SS numbers and getting both "affected" and "not affected" results.

My free monitoring for the OPM hack has ended, so I'm thinking I should just bite the bullet on a year of paid monitoring, or doublecheck to see if any of my dang credit cards have a service. Even if you take the Equifax offer of free monitoring, it apparently only checks for inquiries to them, and not the other credit agencies.
"I'm a foolish old man that has been drawn into a wild goose chase by a harpy in trousers and a nincompoop."

TechMan

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #13 on: September 09, 2017, 03:09:15 PM »
I still haven't found a reliable free way to check if I've been hacked.The Equifax site is still a no go. I read this morning some security guys have been testing it by putting in things like their dog's names with fake SS numbers and getting both "affected" and "not affected" results.

My free monitoring for the OPM hack has ended, so I'm thinking I should just bite the bullet on a year of paid monitoring, or doublecheck to see if any of my dang credit cards have a service. Even if you take the Equifax offer of free monitoring, it apparently only checks for inquiries to them, and not the other credit agencies.

Ben, read the link I posted above.  A credit freeze is the way to go!
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Hawkmoon - Never underestimate another person's capacity for stupidity. Any time you think someone can't possibly be that dumb ... they'll prove you wrong.

Bacon and Eggs - A day's work for a chicken; A lifetime commitment for a pig.
Stupidity will always be its own reward.
Bad decisions make good stories.

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Viking - The problem with the modern world is that there aren't really any predators eating stupid people.

Scout26

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #14 on: September 09, 2017, 05:37:14 PM »
That's what I'm going to do.  Put a Credit Freeze on all four.  I'm going to ask that they be free, given the Equifax breach.  


I'm not going to re-fi my mortgage.   And I won't apply for one, until I find something to buy in South Cackalacky and that won't be until June 2019
at the earliest.  I have two credit cards and that's plenty.  (One simply sits in the car as an emergency card, it rarely gets used, as in I think I used it twice.  The other is pretty much for on-line purchases and things like hotels, it gets paid off each month.)

All the money goes into the USAA "Main" Checking account.  Major/Monthly bills get paid from there.  

I have another USAA "Checking" Account for the debit card.  I only keep ~$300 in there (When it gets below $100, I move $300 from the big account into it).  And that's for gas, groceries, the occasional meal out, etc.  If it gets compromised, I'm only out a couple hundred at most, not thousands, and worrying that I'll be late on the mortgage/bills waiting for the bank to unfuck whatever happened.  I've read horror stories on FB about people waiting weeks or months to get the money "back" in their accounts.  :O :O :O

I also have two accounts at local banks.  Emergency funds.  $2,000 in one bank.  $5,000 in the other (Which also gets me a free safe deposit box.  =D )  Both have ATM cards and checks.  I've never used either, as they are far emergencies. (Car totally craps out, part of the house breaks, Insurance deductibles, etc...knocks wood.)

So I'm not in the market for new credit.  No reason for anyone to pull my credit reports.  Freeze it is...
« Last Edit: September 10, 2017, 03:15:13 AM by Amy Schumer »
Some days even my lucky rocketship underpants won't help.


Bring me my Broadsword and a clear understanding.
Get up to the roundhouse on the cliff-top standing.
Take women and children and bed them down.
Bless with a hard heart those that stand with me.
Bless the women and children who firm our hands.
Put our backs to the north wind.
Hold fast by the river.
Sweet memories to drive us on,
for the motherland.

Ben

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #15 on: September 09, 2017, 05:45:33 PM »
Ben, read the link I posted above.  A credit freeze is the way to go!

That actually does sound like a good plan. I have no plans for buying anything on credit or getting any new credit cards. Might quit using the Cabelas one depending on how things change with the merger.

I'm assuming it doesn't hurt your credit rating if someone runs a check anyway and hits a freeze? I paid cash when I bought my truck last year, but the dealer still ran a credit check on me that showed up two days after the purchase. I still had the service from the OPM breach and got an email notice on it. Not sure what the point of that was, other than being afraid my check would bounce, but they deposited that the day prior.
"I'm a foolish old man that has been drawn into a wild goose chase by a harpy in trousers and a nincompoop."

Scout26

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #16 on: September 09, 2017, 06:32:15 PM »
I just looked at my Credit bureau through USAA (Experian)  It showed six inquiries, 4 from what look to be mortgage companies (and man do I get a lot of RE-FI YOUR VA LOAN NOW !!!!! offers in the mail).  And from what I understand inquiries are "bad" because it looks like you are applying for new credit.   So, if the freeze does nothing but reduce the amount of junk mail I get, that's a win.

Of course, the other things hurting my credit are the ex- not paying my son's medical bills. But I've clawed my way back in the solid mid-700's after the shellacking it took during the divorce.  Getting her (and her BK) off the mortgage was huge jump.
Some days even my lucky rocketship underpants won't help.


Bring me my Broadsword and a clear understanding.
Get up to the roundhouse on the cliff-top standing.
Take women and children and bed them down.
Bless with a hard heart those that stand with me.
Bless the women and children who firm our hands.
Put our backs to the north wind.
Hold fast by the river.
Sweet memories to drive us on,
for the motherland.

TechMan

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #17 on: September 09, 2017, 07:23:52 PM »
Ben, no it will not hurt your credit rating and it may actually improve it since only companies that you currently do business with can only access your credit report.  The idea is that if someone tries to tun a credit check they won't be able to access the information because of the freeze and are therefore ore likely than mot to not grant credit because they can't see the report.  Depending upon where you live the cost ranges from $0 to $15, per bureau.  Also depending upon where you live you maybe able to selectively thaw your credit when your know there is a check going to happen and then freeze it again.  Some states the credit freeze can last indefinitely and some states have a term limit for the freeze.

Scout see below to stop all the preapproved offers.

A: ID thieves like to intercept offers of new credit and insurance sent via postal mail, so it’s a good idea to opt out of pre-approved credit offers. If you decide that you don’t want to receive prescreened offers of credit and insurance, you have two choices: You can opt out of receiving them for five years or opt out of receiving them permanently.

To opt out for five years: Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. The phone number and website are operated by the major consumer reporting companies.

To opt out permanently: You can begin the permanent Opt-Out process online at www.optoutprescreen.com. To complete your request, you must return the signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which will be provided after you initiate your online request.
« Last Edit: September 09, 2017, 09:00:48 PM by adively »
Quote
Hawkmoon - Never underestimate another person's capacity for stupidity. Any time you think someone can't possibly be that dumb ... they'll prove you wrong.

Bacon and Eggs - A day's work for a chicken; A lifetime commitment for a pig.
Stupidity will always be its own reward.
Bad decisions make good stories.

Quote
Viking - The problem with the modern world is that there aren't really any predators eating stupid people.

Ben

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #18 on: September 09, 2017, 07:34:34 PM »
Thanks Andy - that's great information!
"I'm a foolish old man that has been drawn into a wild goose chase by a harpy in trousers and a nincompoop."

TechMan

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #19 on: September 09, 2017, 09:01:41 PM »
Thanks Andy - that's great information!
Ben, you are welcome.
Quote
Hawkmoon - Never underestimate another person's capacity for stupidity. Any time you think someone can't possibly be that dumb ... they'll prove you wrong.

Bacon and Eggs - A day's work for a chicken; A lifetime commitment for a pig.
Stupidity will always be its own reward.
Bad decisions make good stories.

Quote
Viking - The problem with the modern world is that there aren't really any predators eating stupid people.

TechMan

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #20 on: September 10, 2017, 11:37:58 AM »
Ben and Scout,
I just finished placing credit freezes at all 4 credit bureaus, only Experian and TransUnion charged me for the freeze.  Innovis and Equifax did not charge me.  Below is a link to all the freeze centers at all 4 bureaus.

Equifax Freeze Center
Experian Freeze Center
Innovis Freeze Center
TransUnion Freeze Center
« Last Edit: September 11, 2017, 07:01:13 AM by adively »
Quote
Hawkmoon - Never underestimate another person's capacity for stupidity. Any time you think someone can't possibly be that dumb ... they'll prove you wrong.

Bacon and Eggs - A day's work for a chicken; A lifetime commitment for a pig.
Stupidity will always be its own reward.
Bad decisions make good stories.

Quote
Viking - The problem with the modern world is that there aren't really any predators eating stupid people.

Scout26

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #21 on: September 10, 2017, 05:01:57 PM »
Thanks for all the info !!!  I'm opting out for five years, and freezing all four.
Some days even my lucky rocketship underpants won't help.


Bring me my Broadsword and a clear understanding.
Get up to the roundhouse on the cliff-top standing.
Take women and children and bed them down.
Bless with a hard heart those that stand with me.
Bless the women and children who firm our hands.
Put our backs to the north wind.
Hold fast by the river.
Sweet memories to drive us on,
for the motherland.

TechMan

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #22 on: September 10, 2017, 06:07:30 PM »
Thanks for all the info !!!  I'm opting out for five years, and freezing all four.

You are welcome.
Quote
Hawkmoon - Never underestimate another person's capacity for stupidity. Any time you think someone can't possibly be that dumb ... they'll prove you wrong.

Bacon and Eggs - A day's work for a chicken; A lifetime commitment for a pig.
Stupidity will always be its own reward.
Bad decisions make good stories.

Quote
Viking - The problem with the modern world is that there aren't really any predators eating stupid people.

Jim147

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #23 on: September 10, 2017, 06:48:04 PM »
Save a copy of the bills and send them to equifax. My credit is wiped out from this crap insurance so I haven't even bothered to check this week. If someone tried to get a credit with my info they would be laughed at.
Sometimes we carry more weight then we owe.
And sometimes goes on and on and on.

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HeroHog

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Re: Equifax Data Breach
« Reply #24 on: September 10, 2017, 10:54:30 PM »
Ben and Scout,
I just finished placing credit freezes at all 4 credit bureaus, only Experian and TransUnion charged me for the freeze.  Innovis and Equifax did not charge me.  Below is a link to all the freeze centers at all 4 bureaus.

Equifax Freeze Center
Experian Freeze Center
Innovis Freeze Center
TransUnion Freeze Center


All 4 locked down for $20 in total. The TransUnion URL is incorrect. So a search on "freeze" once you log in and it will pop up.

THANKS!



ETA: Correct Link -adively
« Last Edit: September 11, 2017, 07:02:45 AM by adively »
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