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losangelestimes OP t1_izfwqwp wrote

Reply to comment by Financial-Computer60 in I was the victim of an identity theft nightmare - and it could happen to you. AMA by losangelestimes

Yes, but only at the point that the entire system is worthless. Eventually, you'll probably be able to google Social Security numbers just like you can search for people's phone numbers and home addresses right now. If you think your SSN doesn't exist somewhere on the dark web (and, increasingly, with "light web" data brokers), you are wrong.

So yes, at some point, we will need to move beyond static data like SSNs and the tiny photo on your driver's license. I think we'll see more financial and government institutions adding the option for things like Face ID or fingerprints for identification. That tech isn't perfect either, but it's a lot better than a 9-digit number.

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Rock_Strongo t1_izg1qbx wrote

With the amount of places you have to enter your full SS# and the amount of people it passes through basically everyone is compromised. Once it’s out there there’s nothing you can so about it but hope you aren’t randomly selected by a thief. Not like you can request a new one.

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secoccular t1_izg61qn wrote

>Not like you can request a new one.

Are you certain about that? It's literally one of the reasons you can get a new number.

https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02220

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losangelestimes OP t1_izga4qc wrote

The bar is very, very high to get assigned a new Social Security number. Knowing yours is compromised from a data breach is not enough. Even being a victim of identity theft is not enough, unless you continue to experience issues after taking a number of steps to fight it.

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turnoffthe8track t1_izgs7wq wrote

I mean, you can. You have to attempt to fix it and "continue to be disadvantaged" by having the old one, but it's a very important part of the system that you can, in fact, request a new one.

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xDulmitx t1_izhdh8s wrote

You can also guess a lot of people's SS#. They follow a formula so by knowing where and when someone was born you can get pretty close.

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secoccular t1_izg2xsx wrote

With so many transactions being done online, how would Face ID or fingerprints even work?

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losangelestimes OP t1_izg9wb0 wrote

Well, you don't show your driver's license for online transactions, either. It's more about adding layers of identification for opening new accounts. For instance, when I was getting FMLA benefits earlier this year when I had a baby, I had to take a face scan video and send it in.

But, online transactions could be more secure. More cards could add two-factor authentication for online purchases. It's just a balance between convenience and protection, and right now most institutions lean toward convenience.

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mata_dan t1_izikiqb wrote

A face or fingerprint are also static and can never be changed, ever - remember digitally they are still data being sent over whatever protocol. We also have "AI"s that can regenerate your face, in different poses and animated, and they are getting better constantly. That's worse than SSN.

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losangelestimes OP t1_izkbhyp wrote

I disagree that facial identification is less secure than a string of nine digits, but I agree that we don't have a perfect method yet.

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mata_dan t1_izlpwjo wrote

9 digits can be changed to 9 other digits. Not sure I want a face swap if my facial data is stolen xD

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nerd4code t1_izl5zq9 wrote

Speaking as somebody with less fingers than he started out with, no, fingerprints aren’t static.

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