The Equifax Breach Exposes America’s Identity Crisis

Social Security numbers, which have been around since the 1930s, have only one intended purpose: to track US citizens’ earnings and contributions to the Social Security program. However, universality of SSN ownership has in turn led to the SSN’s adoption by private industry as a unique identifier. Unfortunately, this universality has led to abuse.

Source: The Equifax Breach Exposes America’s Identity Crisis | WIRED