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A Social Security number (SSN) is one of your most valuable personal assets.

Well, at least in the United States.

Hacker using a stolen social security card

Want to get married?

In several states you need a valid SSN to make it all legal.

Trying to improve your credit?

Someone writing in a journal

Thats why its so important to protect your Social Security number from identity theft.

Memorizing a SSN or password is one of the best security precautions you’re free to make.

What should we do instead?

A person holding an iPhone in one hand and touching the screen with the other hand

Thats the hard part: We need to memorize the number.

This doesnt just apply to our own number but a spouse and kids as well.

Memorizing a SSN or password is one of the best security precautions you might make.

A shocked couple realizing they’ve been scammed

When you do need to use your SSN online, confirm youre being smart about it, says Clay.

When mailing documents with your SSN, use certified mail to ensure theyre delivered safely.

Protecting your Social Security number is harder than ever

Protecting your Social Security number is not easy.

Hooded cybercriminal sitting with laptop surround by hooks

Is there anyone’s SSN that isn’t on the internet or dark web?

One reason a SSN is so hard to protect is that hacking has become far more common and lucrative.

SSNs were created for accurately tracking SSA payments.

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So keep this in mind if youre on the fence about adding another monthly subscription to your budget.

Surfshark graphic of 2024 data breaches

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A person typing on a computer while hackers use phishing to steal a file from their computer

A hacker typing on a computer

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A woman�s hands holding a smartphone with a lock symbol on it, in front of a laptop that also has a lock symbol on it.

A hacker typing quickly on a keyboard

An open lock depicting a data breach

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