<p>Even with all the publicity about identity theft, some colleges are just now doing away with social security numbers as student identification. Ohio University was the victim last summer of two massive security breaches (and heads rolled) because they were still using SS#s as well as poor system-wide security. </p>
<p>I just read of a small college in Illinois that is only now making the switch, which prompted me to post this warning. Probably only small or community colleges are behind the curve on this one, but I still think everyone should ask the question when looking at schools--do they still use SS # as the student ID?</p>
<p>Mom, the kids are so careless with laptops, wallets, expensive audio equipment, etc. I can't imagine what they do with their bank statements and credit card bills! I think the kids create as much or more of a problem than the schools....</p>
<p>blossom, don't even get me started on bank statements and credit card bills. HELLO! Credit card bills with the FULL account # and credit limit on it? Sheesh, if I need info from the cc company & have to call I "only" need the last 4 digits, so why not print only the last 4 digits? And WHY print the card limit on the statement? </p>
<p>Bank statements need only have the last 4 digits as well. I'm looking at a bank statement right now that has everything but my picture on it.</p>
<p>When I lived in Hawaii (1987) my driver's license number was my ss #. I hope that's changed.</p>
<p>These groups do NOTHING to protect us. Mother's maiden name! HA! </p>
<p>I agree kids can be as careless as anyone--or even more. But you would hate to do your best and then be outflanked because the college was not using the best security available on its myriad records of you. Hackers go after low hanging fruit.</p>
<p>In NJ the state had to legislate that universities not use SS numbers. I guess many schools are just too lazy to make the change unless forced to do so.</p>
<p>This is from early last year:
[quote]
The social security number is used as the record number for many sensitive pieces of personal information including financial and medical records. This and the growth in the crime of identity theft have raised concerns about the easy availability and non-essential use of social security numbers. **In response to those concerns the State of New Jersey has recently adopted legislation that will prohibit the display of social security numbers on class rosters and other similar documents. **By converting the student identification number to the new RUID, Rutgers will not only respond to the requirements of the state legislation, it will also substantially reduce the use and availability of student social security numbers within the University and enhance student privacy.