In an alarming revelation, a prestigious whistleblower has raised concerns about the potentially greatest threat to Social Security data in the United States. Charles Borges, who is at the helm of data management in the Social Security Administration (SSA), filed a complaint on a recent Tuesday. He alleged that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had breached norms by storing copies of the complete federal Social Security Numbers on a cloud server in June. Borges’ complaint indicates that the server is exclusively accessible by DOGE while the Social Security Administration and other potential regulatory authorities have no access to it.
Borges pointed out the significant security issues this scenario creates, besides highlighting a plethora of risks that come with the lack of regulatory oversight. His concern starkly pins attention on possibly ‘colossal vulnerabilities’ that might persist due to these practices. The database in contention, maintained on the DOGE’s cloud, is known as Numident. This database holds a wide variety of personal information associated with the individual, including the name, date of birth, birthplace, citizenship status, ethnicity, racial categorization, parental names and Social Security numbers, contact number, addresses, among other sensitive data.
This leads to the serious question – what is at stake here? What are the implications on your Social Security number? Depicted as one of the most sensitive reservoirs of personal information in the country, the Numident server carries immense potential risk. Although no security breach has been detected thus far, the database remains a highly lucrative target for cyber attackers.
An unnerving scenario is that should these malicious entities manage to infiltrate this cloud server, the ramifications could be devastating. Americans could become targets of identity theft on an unprecedented scale, and risk the loss of critical healthcare and nutritional benefits, according to the contents of Borges’ complaint.
How did DOGE manage to get their hands on this treasure trove of SSA data? Earlier this year, as per the notable declarations by Elon Musk, ex-head of DOGE, and President Donald Trump, millions of dead citizens were reportedly still beneficiaries of Social Security payments. In an ironic twist, a 2024 report from SSA revealed that a paltry amount, less than 1% of the trillions dispersed by the agency from 2015 through 2022, was deemed ‘improper.’
Several opponents launched legal battles against DOGE to prevent the organization from gaining access to such highly sensitive data. A pivotal turn of events occurred when, urged by Trump, the Supreme Court nullified rulings by lower courts that obstructed DOGE’s access to crucial SSA information, thereby enabling the department to proceed.
Let’s consider the steps that can be taken if you suspect your Social Security Number might have been compromised. Identity thieves can exploit your Social Security Number in a multitude of harmful ways, including applying for new credit under your name, maxing it out, and leaving your credit rating ravaged. They might even submit a tax return using your details and make off with the refund.
Therefore, it’s critical to stay wary and take swift action if your SSN becomes a theft victim: A few preventive actions include regularly monitoring your mySocialSecurity account, tracking credit reports, and watching out for IRS notifications. You should be mindful of any sudden alterations to your address on any accounts, inexplicable irregularities with your Social Security benefits or tax returns, or any correspondence from debt collectors concerning services you never availed.
Insurance behemoth Allstate warns that these could potentially indicate your SSN might have been illicitly appropriated. In case of a suspected identity theft, the Social Security Administration advises you to report the issue either online or at the designated contact number 1-877-IDTHEFT (TTY 1-866-653-4261).
This support service, facilitated by the Federal Trade Commission, provides crucial guidance through the complex steps to regain your stolen identity. The SSA also suggests reaching out to the Internal Revenue Service either online or via their helpline number 1-800-908-4490.
Furthermore, a complaint can be lodged with the Internet Crime Complaint Center to ensure regulatory authorities are made aware of the situation and appropriate action can be triggered. These cumulative efforts help in securing your sensitive financial and personal information from further misuse and assist in reclaiming your stolen identity.
Borges’ allegations, while still under scrutiny, have sparked critical dialogue around digital security, data rights, and the trust embedded in governmental institutions. As consumers, our continued vigilance, combined with requisite protective measures, forms our first and most potent line of defense against such potential breaches of privacy.
In an era where data stands as one of the most valuable assets, its protection has become paramount. The implications of breach can herald severe risk to personal lives and national security alike. Consequently, addressing this risk is not just a governmental obligation but a shared responsibility among all citizens.
The post Whistleblower Exposes Risk to U.S. Social Security Data appeared first on Real News Now.
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