https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/7/16270808/equifax-data-breach-us-identity-theft >Equifax announced today that 143 million U.S.-based users had their personal information compromised this year. Attackers reportedly exploited a vulnerability on Equifax's website to steal names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some cases, driver’s license numbers. Credit card numbers for approximately 209,000 people and certain dispute documents with personal identifying information for approximately 182,000 people were also accessed. Although Equifax operates in other countries, it didn't detect any stolen personal information abroad. >The company says it discovered the breach on July 29th this year and has since plugged the security hole. The company has also set up a dedicated website — www.equifaxsecurity2017.com — for possible victims to sign up for credit file monitoring and identity theft protection.