Heller demands answers on steps to protect servicemembers after Equifax data breach

U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) voiced concerns on Tuesday about Equifax’s handling of a data breach and requested information about how approximately 1.3 million servicemembers whose personal information was compromised will be protected.

In a letter to Equifax CEO Richard Smith, Heller and U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) wrote that it was imperative that Equifax take steps to ensure the protection of customers and their credit files from potential financial risks.

“We are particularly concerned about the roughly 1.3 million active-duty U.S. military personnel, especially the nearly 200,000 currently stationed overseas, who may lack the access and resources required to place a credit freeze on their files or take other necessary measures to adequately protect their personal information,” the letter states. “This could leave members of our military especially vulnerable to identity theft and financial fraud in the days, months and years ahead.”

The Equifax security breach announced on Sept. 7 potentially impacts personal information for 143 million U.S. consumers, including names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and in some cases driver’s license numbers, the company said.

Heller and Donnelly noted that the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act was established to protect active-duty military personnel, especially those stationed in remote or high-conflict areas, from having their personal or financial information compromised.

“We request that you immediately detail the specific actions Equifax will take to ensure our servicemembers are not victimized any further by thieves with access to personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth and home addresses,” the letter stated. “Our service members and millions of Americans are now at risk, and it is incumbent on you to minimize the damage and remedy this wrong.”

The senators requested a response from Smith no later than Oct. 6.