Looking to get the newest tech for your home? Before replacing every item in your space with the latest and greatest in internet-connected devices (also known as the Internet of Things), you may want to take a quick minute and think about these few things.
Ask yourself or look up:
Last month’s massive data breach at Equifax was caused by their failure to update their software and patch a security vulnerability. Though it sounds appalling, this is common.
Medical debt often results from unpredictable events, but you shouldn’t let such an event ruin your credit for years to come. With 52 percent of all debt on credit reports coming from medical expenses, 43 million Americans are affected by this problem.
It is difficult to come up with a precise definition of cloud computing. In general terms, it’s the idea that your computer’s applications run somewhere in the "cloud," that is to say, on someone else’s server accessed via the Internet. Instead of running program applications or storing data on your own computer, these functions are performed at remote servers which are connected to your computer through the Internet.
A.B. 375 opponents are making false claims in ads stating that the bill will expose consumers to cyberattacks and hackers. These ads are anonymous and are clearly trying to play to consumers’ fears surrounding the recent Equifax breach. A.B. 375 puts individuals in more control of their information – plain and simple. Privacy Rights Clearinghouse has advocated for strong data privacy protections for 25 years, and strongly supports A.B.
On September 7, Equifax, one of the three national credit reporting agencies (credit bureaus), reported a data breach that may have compromised the personal information of 143 million individuals. That’s almost half the population of the U.S. The compromised data is said to include Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and driver’s license numbers. In some cases, the compromised data may also include credit card numbers. The number of people impacted and the sensitivity of the breached information may make this the most significant data breach ever.
Do you live in California and care about online privacy? If so, contact your representatives now to express your support for the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act, A.B. 375.
A recent change to the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system could result in unnecessary overdraft fees being charged to your bank or credit union account. It’s important for you to understand how this change to the ACH system could impact your financial accounts.
Comments Submitted to the Vermont Data Broker Legislation Working Group
August 11, 2017
Via email to MyLanh.Graves@Vermont.gov
The Honorable Thomas J. Donovan, Jr.
Attorney General of Vermont
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-1001
The Honorable Michael S. Pieciak, Commissioner
Vermont Department of Financial Regulation
89 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-3101
RE: State of Vermont Data Broker Legislation Working Group
Starting this month, civil judgments and tax liens that don't contain certain minimum identifying information (name, address and either your Social Security number or your date of birth) will be excluded from your credit report. A civil judgment is a court ruling against you in a non-criminal matter where a payment of damages is owed. A tax lien is a government claim on your property if you fail to pay your taxes.