Equifax Announces Cybersecurity Incident Involving 143 Million Consumers

On September 6, Equifax, one of the three major credit reporting companies, announced a cybersecurity incident potentially impacting approximately 143 million U.S. consumers. Criminals exploited a U.S. website application vulnerability to gain access to certain files. Based on the company’s investigation, the unauthorized access occurred from mid-May through July 2017.

Equifax, one of the three major credit reporting companies, announced a cybersecurity incident potentially impacting approximately 143 million U.S. consumers. Criminals exploited a U.S. website application vulnerability to gain access to certain files. Based on the company’s investigation, the unauthorized access occurred from mid-May through July 2017.

According to Equifax, “The information accessed primarily includes names, social security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers. In addition, credit card numbers for approximately 209,000 U.S. consumers, and certain dispute documents with personal identifying information for approximately 182,000 U.S. consumers, were accessed.”

Equifax has established a dedicated website, www.equifaxsecurity2017.com, to help consumers determine if their information has been potentially impacted. In addition to the website, Equifax will send direct mail notices to consumers whose credit card numbers or dispute documents with personal identifying information were impacted. If your information has been compromised, Equifax is providing free identity theft protection and credit file monitoring services. As with any contractual service, be sure to read all terms and conditions.

Please visit www.equifaxsecurity2017.com to learn more about the incident and determine if your information may have been affected.