Why a Credit Freeze Still Matters for Identity Protection

A credit freeze is still one of the simplest ways to stop criminals from opening new accounts with stolen personal data. It won’t stop every kind of identity abuse, such as misuse of an existing card, but after a breach it is one of the clearest steps a person can take.

Personal data leaks constantly, through breaches, phishing, scams and weak account recovery. A freeze is no complete defense. It adds friction exactly where criminals want speed, which is why it remains a good baseline.

Free freezes since 2018

Since 2018, federal law has let U.S. consumers place and lift a credit freeze at no charge. The change gave people more control over their own credit files. Criminals have only become more skilled since then, and a freeze blocks one of their most profitable moves: opening credit in someone else’s name.

More data exposed, more fraud

Attacks on consumer data have grown in recent years. The more of our lives that move online, the more there is to steal. Phishing, breaches and identity theft all feed the same market. The damage can be financial and emotional. A freeze means that even if your details leak, they can’t easily be used to open new accounts.

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion

Freezes are handled by the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You have to contact each one separately, which most people can now do online or through an app in a few minutes. Freezing only one bureau leaves the other two open, so do all three.

The trade-offs

A freeze does take some planning. When you apply for new credit, such as a loan or mortgage, you have to lift it temporarily, then put it back. That takes a few minutes per bureau. Most people find the hassle small compared with the protection.

Set your freezes this week

Freezing your credit is one of the few identity protections that is free, quick and effective. If you haven’t done it, set up accounts with all three bureaus, freeze each file, and keep the PINs or passwords somewhere safe.

Then add the other basics: unique passwords, multi-factor authentication on email and banking, and a regular look at your credit reports. A freeze covers new-account fraud. Those cover the rest.

John King, CISSP, PMP, CISM

John King currently works in the greater Los Angeles area as a ISSO (Information Systems Security Officer). John has a passion for learning and developing his cyber security skills through education, hands on work, and studying for IT certifications.