Top 10 Riskiest Places For Your Social Security Number

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Do you know the riskiest places to give out your Social Security number?

McAfee, the anti-virus software company, has compiled a list of the places with the most security breaches involving Social Security numbers.

According to McAfee, Universities and Colleges had the most problems keeping Social Security numbers private.

Last year, Penn State University announced more than 30,000 Social Security numbers could have been compromised because of computer breaches.

Becky Maier, from the Better Business Bureau, said if someone wants your Social Security number, challenge them.

"Ask somebody and say 'Do I really need to provide it? I don't feel comfortable' and a lot of times they say you don't need to provide it," Maier said.

She said if that doesn't work, maybe this will.

"You can get away with saying 'Can I just put my last four digits of my Social Security number?'"

Ed Schlesinger, from Carnegie Mellon University Electrical and Computer Engineering, said you should ask questions about how your number is being protected.

"I primarily want to hear that they actually have a plan. That they actually have thought about it rather than an 'I don't know,'" Schlesinger said.

Experts also said you should check your checking and credit card statements regularly to make sure you haven't already become a victim and have charges that you didn't make.

They also recommend getting a copy of your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Finally, be careful online.

Experts said make sure you have security software on your computer, and for financial transactions online, Maier said look for "https" in a website's address.

"The 's' means it's secure," she said.

Schlesinger said make no mistake, identity thieves are waiting.

"There are absolutely people out there all the time, trying to get that information."

Here's the Top 10 list:

10. (Tie) Medical Insurance and Doctor's Offices/Clinics
9. Technology Companies
8. Non-Profit Organizations
7. Medical Businesses (such as distributers of diabetes or dialysis supplies or medical billing services)
6. Federal Government
5. Local Government
4. State Government
3. Hospitals
2. Banks and Financial Institutions
1. Universities and Colleges