In updating the Manatron IK News area and our Twitter page, I came across an article regarding the availability of individual Social Security Numbers via government websites. Dr. Joe Campana, a privacy and information security expert, produced a video "Stealing Social Security Numbers on the Web" that indicates the ease at which anyone can access this information.

View video

In this age of high rates of identity theft, it is vital – I’d argue it should be required – that local governments protect its citizens in every way possible.

Is your data protected? If not, why? Cost? Lack of technology or resources? If these are the excuses we are using, are they valid?

As a property owner, I would expect that my information is protected by my local jurisdiction – that they would make the investment to do this because it is what’s best for me and my neighbors.

Would your citizens be surprised at what they and others can find on your public access website?

If you have questions or just want to find out more about how you can protect the public data on your website, let us know. We have experts on our team that have been doing this for many years.