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

This is a rendering of the Rowen Convergence Center, a 10,000-square-foot facility central to the planned Rowen life sciences district in Gwinnett County. (Courtesy of Rowen)

Credit: Courtesy of Rowen

2,000-acre Rowen bioscience campus announces first buildings. Take a look.

After decades of planning and preparation, one of Georgia’s largest economic development projects is about to start construction in earnest.

Delta rents out Mercedes-Benz Stadium for its Centennial Bash

It was the largest event left on the birthday calendar for the Atlanta-based company, which was expecting a 100th year much different from what has come to pass.

Meet the candidates running for seats on state’s powerful utility regulator

From Tuesday through Nov. 4, voters get to choose who serves on the Georgia Public Service Commission for the first time in almost five years.

The Latest

Some owners cite the Subaru Forester's oversized sunroof as one of their favorite features. (Courtesy of Subaru)

Credit: Source: Subaru

Why are Subarus so popular?

OPINION

Is this the Corvette of the future?

OPINION

Mountain weekend ready: Tips, all-wheel drive picks for Blue Ridge getaways

Featured

(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC / Source: John Glenn for AJC, File)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

Council president race highlights politics of policing in Atlanta

The race pits an established council member who warns against public safety changes against a progressive who wants a new approach.

Why some Atlantans are saying ‘Hello’ again, or for first time, to landlines

Whether it’s a parent restricting a child’s access to social media or a young adult avoiding doom scrolling, a new generation of landlines is trending.

I-85’s landmark piano in the sky to come down ahead of music shop’s move

This is the sign’s swan song. Cooper Piano in Brookhaven has sold its building on Northeast Expressway and will move its showroom to a smaller space in Chamblee.