Social Security Number Procedures

Although Social Security Numbers are not used as an identifier here at Virginia Tech they are still stored on certain systems (Financial Aid, Payroll), so caution must be taken when dealing with these sensitive numbers. Below are links to tools to scan your computer for social security numbers, Virginia Tech's policies on social security numbers, and links to various sites dealing with the protection of social security numbers. Remember you have to do something, doing nothing is unacceptable.

By definition a Social Security number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued to citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents under section 205(c)(2) of the Social Security Act, codified as 42 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2). The number is issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration, an agency of the U.S. Federal Government. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes. In recent years the SSN has become a de facto national identification number. A social security number may be obtained by applying on Form SS–5, "Application for A Social Security Number Card" (see 20 C.F.R. §422.103(b)

Virginia Tech's Social Security and Sensitive Information Policies

• 1060 Policy on Social Security Numbers
• 7010 Policy for Securing Technology Resources and Services
• 7025 Safeguarding Nonpublic Customer Information

Tools for Finding Social Security Numbers-Virginia Tech Developed

• Find_SSNs-Basic Scanning Tool
• Find_SSNs - Advanced Instructions
• Find_SSNs - Build Instructions
• Social Security Number Validation Tool-Checks SSN Validation

Resources and Links

• Social Security Administration
• United States Department of Justice
• FERPA at Virginia Tech
• More Information on Social Security Numbers

Any questions, comments, concerns please contact the Virginia Tech IT Security Office