Business
Business

Equifax breach troubles mimic earlier controversy

Up to 143 million Americans may have had their personal data stolen in the Equifax data breach.
Up to 143 million Americans may have had their personal data stolen in the Equifax data breach.
By Matt Kempner
Sept 21, 2017

Equifax's controversial handling of a massive data breach is starkly similar to the aftermath of a much earlier incident involving another Georgia based company.

The other company, then known as ChoicePoint, was once part of Atlanta-based Equifax.

Channel 2 Consumer Advisor Clark Howard has the steps you need to take now to keep your identity from being stolen.

The parallels raise questions about disconnects between businesses that are breached and consumers harmed by exposure of their sensitive personal information.

In both cases, Congress is talking tough.

Find out more on the surprising similarities, in my latest Unofficial Business column on MyAJC.com.

MYAJC.COM: REAL JOURNALISM. REAL LOCAL IMPACT.

AJC Unofficial Business columnist Matt Kempner offers you a unique look at the business scene in metro Atlanta and beyond. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these columns:

Never miss a minute of what's happening in local business news. Subscribe to myAJC.com.

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

Follow Matt Kempner on facebookFollow Matt Kempner on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

More metro Atlanta sellers are deciding to take their homes off the market, according to a new report. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Why thousands of metro Atlanta sellers pulled their homes off the market

The number of delistings in metro Atlanta grew 41% in September from the same month a year ago, a recent report said.

Georgia lands location of prestigious Sundance television program

The announcement comes less than a year after Atlanta did not make the cut to become the next host city of the Sundance Film Festival.

Atlanta airport travelers should expect crowded security lines Monday

TSA had projected that Sunday would be the busiest holiday day for security at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Monday is expected to be the second busiest.

The Latest

Unsold 2025 Gladiator pickup trucks sit on display outside a Jeep dealership Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Englewood, Colo. (David Zalubowski/AP)

Credit: AP

OPINION

December car sales are good but not magic

In the market for a luxury vehicle? You might reconsider Lincoln.

Beyond the odometer: What matters most in a used car

Featured

Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Earth needs more energy. Atlanta’s Super Soaker creator may have a solution.

The legendary inventor of the Super Soaker, Lonnie Johnson, is refining technology in Atlanta that he thinks could help the planet reduce energy waste.

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

Greene County native and University of North Georgia student Ja’Quon Stembridge, 19, had run on boosting youth involvement in the party.

2025 SEC championship game: Kickoff time, TV channel, participants, ticket info

The 2025 SEC Championship Game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6. Below you can find information on game time, TV channel and particpants for the game.