Equifax data breach affects 143 million Americans

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017

Credit-monitoring company Equifax announced last Thursday that the company experienced a data breach, leaving the personal data of more than 143 million Americans at risk.

The hackers responsible for the breach gained access to the data through Equifax’s external facing website. The cyber attack was exposed in May, but the company didn’t find out until June.

Exposed data includes social security numbers, birth dates, addresses, driver license numbers and credit history, says ASU Global Security Initiative professor Jamie Winterton.

“If this data was encrypted, then the damages would have been a lot less than they are,” said Winterton. “The FTC is taking this very seriously, whats next for the consumer is to keep an eye out on your credit.”

Sponsor message:

Also in this episode:

Lawrence Krauss talks the end-life of Cassini and the infinite abyss

In this segment:

Jamie Winterton: Director of Strategy, ASU Global Security Initiative

Lawrence Krauss talks the end-life of Cassini and the infinite abyss
Trump discusses DACA with Democrats

Sponsor message:

Sign up to receive the Arizona PBS Insider

Get up-to-the-minute information about your favorite programs and learn more about Arizona PBS news and events.

Arizona Horizon main page
News main page
Visit the last unexplored places on Earth in 'Expedition with Steve Backshall'

There are still parts of our planet yet to be discovered. Explorer and naturalist Steve Backshall pursues incredible journeys and world firsts — unclimbed peaks, unexplored cave systems and uncharted landscapes — setting foot where no human has been before. "Expedition with Steve Backshall" comes to Arizona PBS Wednesdays at 9 p.m. starting Jan. 15. 

'Plate & Pour' season 2 premieres Jan. 30

Jane Austen's last work brought to life in 'Sanditon'

Jane Austen was chronically ill with a mysterious disease in early 1817, when she turned her thoughts to a happier subject. She started work on a witty and delightful novel set in a seaside town. She never finished it. Now, noted screenwriter Andrew Davies picks up Austen’s plot and takes it in a glorious and satisfying direction.