October is Cybersecurity Month and Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) knows that there is nothing more important than taking steps to protect your personally identifiable information (PII). Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and can use Social Security numbers, birth dates, and other PII to steal identities, money and more.

DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore says "In today's digital age, your personal information including your driver’s license/ID is your most valuable asset.  Cybercriminals use driver’s licenses along with Social Security Numbers to perpetuate cyber fraud. I urge everyone to safeguard their data with vigilance and care, for it is the key to securing our digital future."

With 8,555,930 valid Georgia drivers and expanding customer self-service licensing and identity technology, Commissioner Moore has been a champion of protecting the data and security of one of our most important processes.  He recently was appointed to the Evidence Based Cybersecurity Research Group (EBCS) Advisory Board affiliated with the Georgia State University Andrew Young School of Policies Study

Commissioner Moore also notes that identity thieves buy personal identifying information on the dark webs and combine this information with other types of stolen data to apply for credit cards, loans, and other fraudulent activity. They can also use the data to create fake physical licenses that impressively mimic real ones,

3 Steps to Protect Sensitive Information:

Having a DDS Online Account and using the free mobile app, DDS 2 GO, enables customers to opt-in for alerts when there is a change in your license status. DDS uses multi factor authentication when a user attempts to access an online account for ultimate security.

  • Don’t let anyone take a picture of your driver’s license.  

Don’t allow anyone to scan or swipe your license unless they are required to do so by law (buying medicine, airport security check, etc.) or a transaction that requires your age or identity to be verified, such as at a bar or when applying for a job or bank account.

  • Don’t give out your driver’s license or social security number to someone who calls out of the blue.

anytime anyone asks for your personal information — bank accounts, social security number, etc. — you should be on alert. Don't give it away quickly or easily, especially to someone you don't know. 

For complete driver services information, please visit www.dds.georgia.gov where many transactions like renewing, updating, and replacing a license or ID card can be initiated.