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A Social Security number (SSN) is one of your most valuable personal assets.
Well, at least in the United States.
Want to get married?
In several states you need a valid SSN to make it all legal.
Trying to improve your credit?
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?
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.
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.
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.
So keep this in mind if youre on the fence about adding another monthly subscription to your budget.