Thanks Ted, that explains it well. We have a similar number, the National Insurance Number, which is unique and is not considered 'secret' at least as far as I am aware, but that is random and includes a check digit. I don't think I would use it as it is too cumbersome. 😊
I know what you mean about marking kit, fortunately when I went through basic training we didn't have to do that but I still have a boot brush with a relative's service number carved in it from when he did National Service (conscription) that I inherited. John John Weller 01380 723235 07976 393631 John: There's a couple of issues with using SSNs. Technically, they are not unique. Several people have received duplicate numbers, so they're not ideal primary keys. Second, they are considered "secret" Personally Identifiable Information (often PII) and disclosure of such information can be a considered a data breach, leaving you liable to state, local, federal and international laws (like GDPR) requiring you to provide disclosure, notification and possible liability. They're also pretty easy to guess. The first two designates the state of birth, easy to find, the last four and printed on FAR too many documents, and the three in the middle were issued chronologically, so knowing a birthdate narrows the guessing down by far. When I was in bootcamp in 1979, they gave us all stencils and required us to have our name and service number, also our SSN on the hundreds of pieces of uniform and gear we were issued. I've still got a few in my basement and attic. Some secret! _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: [email protected] Subscription Maintenance: http://mail.leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://mail.leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech Searchable Archive: http://leafe.com/archives/search/profox This message: http://leafe.com/archives/byMID/profox/[email protected] ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
