Everyone has a social security number, and though it is/was intended to be used purely for social security purposes, it is a de facto national identification number being required by most state DMVs, among many many other organizations. The Social Security Administration has been powerless to prevent this "feature creep." At this point having someone's SSN is a huge first step in identity theft, and all you need from there is a DOB and a mother's maiden name, and you're done (or done for, if you're the victim).

The dangers of a nationwide motor vehicle operator's license make the SSN issues pale in comparison.

Maxwell should concentrate on getting some customer service concepts back into the state DMVs, reducing fraud, and perhaps taking more care with the skills and documentation required to get a driver's license (including the ability to actually drive).

[ reply ]

Link to this comment: http://www.securityfocus.com/comments/articles/371/11968#11968