Social Security numbers are 9 digit numbers issued to workers in the United States tying their holders to unique Social Security accounts. They were first issued in 1936 as part of the Social Security entitlement program. SSNs also are also used officially by the IRS and by states and political subdivisions. The number’s status as a unique identifier has also led to the usage of SSNs in the private sector for products like loans and credit cards.
Social Security Format
- A Number for Everything. From D. Sharon Pruitt
SSNs are issued in the format 000-00-0000. The first three numbers are a geographic code denoting the applicant’s zip code. The second two are a ‘group’ code which is assigned in a numerical pattern based on the geographic code. The last four numbers are assigned in order from 0001 to 9999.
What’s wrong with this? It makes it possible to estimate Social Security numbers if you have the right types of information. Since 1988, parents generally apply for SSNs for recently born children at the hospital. Using publicly available information about a person’s birth circumstances (such as location and date), it’s possible that most of the numbers can be predicted with surprising accuracy. In fact, it’s possible that all 9 numbers may be easily guessed, according to a recent study. The Social Security Administration is currently working on a way to randomize SSN generation, which may go a long way to making these numbers harder to guess.
Lack of Privacy
Another problem with the widespread usage of these ‘private’ SSNs for identification is the fact that they are often published in online databases. Many states will publish scanned legal filings without Social Security numbers redacted. Public records posted in this way oftentimes still have SSNs published in clear view. Some states have reluctantly started moving towards removing these numbers from public filings, but other states are dragging their feet. According to the article, this practice is widespread:
“A 2008 survey by the United States Government Accountability Office found that 85% of the largest counties in the U.S. and 41% of the smaller counties make records with full or partial SSNs available in bulk or online.”
It’s tough to make the case that Social Security numbers should be used in the manner they are currently. With 9.9 million cases of Identity Fraud (from the article) reported last year, the problems with SSNs will only continue. The question is, what can replace the SSN? It’s hard to say; nothing quite rivals the SSN in terms of a unique identifier. What do you think? How would you design a number that would be secure enough for the financial transactions we use the SSN for today?
Keyboard thumbnail sourced from www.flickr.com/photos/33624275@N00/313251515. Shot by John Ward.
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