What's it all for?
While all these documents and forms can be quite complicated, the true objective behind A-R-N is to track and surveil those citizens of the United States who are suspected to have ties with intelligence agencies. The truth is that the A-R-N is a method of intelligence collection, and it is simply used for determining the source of a leak.
According to a 2013 statement released by the NSA's inspector general, it has a legitimate reason to be needed, considering:
the possibility of disclosures to foreign governments. The Agency must protect U.S. national security information from unauthorized disclosure by foreign governments and individuals; unauthorized disclosure could result in embarrassment to a U.S. government official or employee, impairment of diplomatic relations, loss of insider information, or compromise of the security of information technology assets of U.S. government agencies.
With that in mind, the National Security Agency has launched a program called RED FLAG to help curb and prevent leaks. The CIA and the Department of Defense are also using the program.
the possibility of disclosures to foreign governments. The Agency must protect U.S. national security information from unauthorized disclosure by foreign governments and individuals; unauthorized disclosure could result in embarrassment to a U.S. government official or employee, impairment of diplomatic relations, loss of insider information, or compromise of the security of information technology assets of U.S. government agencies.
With that in mind, the National Security Agency has launched a program called RED FLAG to help curb and prevent leaks. The CIA and the Department of Defense are also using the program.
How to access the A-R-N information?
While the source code for the Alien Registration Number database is available on GitHub, there are some measures you can take to protect yourself from identity theft by ensuring that you are using a safe password.
You can also avoid identity theft by implementing other security measures, such as turning on two-factor authentication, and setting up two-factor authentication to limit access to your financial accounts.
The following are examples of how the A-R-N system works:
You can also avoid identity theft by implementing other security measures, such as turning on two-factor authentication, and setting up two-factor authentication to limit access to your financial accounts.
The following are examples of how the A-R-N system works:
While the A-R-N number is a unique identifier for each Alien Resident (or Permanent Resident), it is possible for multiple aliens to have the same Alien Registration Number (which also means they can have different numbers for different persons, with completely different purposes)
Someone can obtain the A-R-N number of someone else by taking a picture of his or her Resident Alien Card (shown below), and then placing a photocopy of the card in the Alien Resident’s passport or visa (also on file with the A-R-N system)
Once the A-R-N number has been obtained, someone can perform “Man in the Middle” attacks and intercept the individual’s personal information, including SSNs and other important personal information. This is the primary method used by perpetrators of data breaches like the Verizon hack. For more information, see Steps to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft.
Someone can obtain the A-R-N number of someone else by taking a picture of his or her Resident Alien Card (shown below), and then placing a photocopy of the card in the Alien Resident’s passport or visa (also on file with the A-R-N system)
Once the A-R-N number has been obtained, someone can perform “Man in the Middle” attacks and intercept the individual’s personal information, including SSNs and other important personal information. This is the primary method used by perpetrators of data breaches like the Verizon hack. For more information, see Steps to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft.
How to protect yourself from unauthorized access to your A-R-N number?
Use only official government-issued Alien Registration Numbers on your identification documents (Driver’s License, Passport)
Place the Alien Registration Number in the conspicuous place in the top-right corner of your documents (this is the location for the Social Security number on a US passport)
Use a unique combination of letters and numbers (i.e., not sequential) when recording the information on a Resident Alien card (or a visa)
When renewing your Resident Alien Card, request a photocopy of your passport or visa (on file with the A-R-N system)
Aliens on Multiple Visas or Nationals or Consular Documents (A-R-N numbers are required for certain travel documents)
Can I File a Lawsuit Against the NSA?
This is still a matter of debate. Some experts believe that it is legal, while others do not think so.
In any case, it is important to realize that the A-R-N program is not one that is done by a private company, and thus you can't file a lawsuit against the NSA for the same reason that you cannot do it against Verizon, Facebook or any other corporation, even if it has breached your privacy.
There are legal methods that you can use to take the case to court, but they are time-consuming and require an experienced attorney to get you the outcome you want. There are also certain confidentiality issues that may have to be addressed before you can file a lawsuit, which means that it is best to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
What if I am a victim of identity theft?
The Privacy Ombudsman (PO) will address your complaint, but it could take up to 60 days for the PO to reach you. During this time, you are required to not contact the perpetrator to tell them that you have a complaint against them.
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