Security News > 2020 > August > Why & Where You Should Plant Your Flag

"The crux of the problem is that while most types of customer accounts these days can be managed online, the process of tying one's account number to a specific email address and/or mobile device typically involves supplying personal data that can easily be found or purchased online - such as Social Security numbers, birthdays and addresses."

In short, although you may not be required to create online accounts to manage your affairs at your ISP, the U.S. Postal Service, the credit bureaus or the Social Security Administration, it's a good idea to do so for several reasons.

Thousands of banks rely on ChexSystems to verify customers who are requesting new checking and savings accounts, and ChexSystems lets consumers place a security alert on their credit data to make it more difficult for ID thieves to fraudulently obtain checking and savings accounts.

YOUR GOVERNMENT. Whether you're approaching retirement, middle-aged or just starting out in your career, you should establish an account online at the U.S. Social Security Administration.

My original Plant Your Flag piece in 2018 told the story of an older Florida man who had pricey jewelry bought in his name after fraudsters created an online account at his ISP and diverted calls to his home phone number so they could intercept calls from his bank seeking to verify the transactions.

News URL

https://krebsonsecurity.com/2020/08/why-where-you-should-you-plant-your-flag/