The CEO of credit-reporting firm Equifax is promising changes after a security breach left 143-million people vulnerable to identity theft.
In an op-ed for "USA Today," CEO Richard F. Smith apologized to everyone affected by the cybersecurity breach, calling the announcement painful and humbling.
He also addressed criticism that it took six weeks to announce the incident after it was discovered back in July. He explained that the matter was under investigation during that time and that at first they thought the intrusion was limited.
He also said the company will make changes to bolster their defenses against cyber crimes.
Meantime, Attorney General Maura Healey is planning to sue Equifax over the credit rating agency's recent data breach.
Equifax reported the personal information of 143-million people may have been compromised.
She says that includes three-million Massachusetts residents.
State law requires that Healey's office send a five-day notice to companies it plans to sue.
(picture with thanks iStockphoto)