Social Security Numbers: SSNs Are Widely Used by Government and Could Be Better Protected

Abstract

The use of SSNs by government and the private sector has grown overtime, in part because of federal requirements. In addition, the growth in computerized records has further increased reliance on SSNs. This growth in use and availability of the SSN is important because SSNs are often one of the identifiers of choice among identity thieves. Although no single federal law regulates the use and disclosure of SSNs by governments, when federal government agencies use them, several federal laws limit the use and disclosure of the number. Also, state laws may impose restrictions on SSN use and disclosure, and they vary from state to state. Moreover, some records that contain SSNs are considered part of the public record and, as such, are routinely made available to the public for review.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 29, 2002
Accession Number
AD1106166

Entities

People

  • Barbara D. Bovbjerg
  • Kay E. Brown

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Blood Donors
  • Commerce
  • Computers
  • Cybersecurity
  • Databases
  • Department Of Defense
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Information Security
  • Local Governments
  • National Governments
  • Personnel Management
  • State Law
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Websites

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