Security Breach at Social Security Administration
Introduction
The recent news of a security breach at the Social Security Administration has sent shockwaves through the United States. According to the Washington Post, the Chief Data Officer, Charles Borges, has revealed that sensitive data was uploaded to a digital cloud, compromising the safety of personal information for over 300 million Americans.
The Breach
The breach occurred due to the use of the cloud storage service, DOGE. Borges stated that this was a mistake on the part of the administration and that the breach could have been avoided. The compromised data includes social security numbers, names, addresses, and other sensitive information.
The Impact
The consequences of this breach are far-reaching. The stolen data can be used for identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities. This puts millions of people at risk and highlights the need for stricter security measures in government agencies.
About the People Mentioned
Charles Borges
Charles Borges is a distinguished federal data leader and retired U.S. Navy Commander who has built a career at the intersection of technology, data management, and public service.[1][3] He brings over two decades of military experience combined with expertise in data modernization and analytics to his current role. **Military and Federal Career** Borges served for 20 years as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Navy, with the final 10 years focused on federal acquisition and data analytics.[1] During his naval career, he held several significant positions, including Military Director of Analytics for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Chief Data Officer of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), and Data Analytics Team Lead for the Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office at Patuxent River, Maryland.[1] He also served as Department Head of Maritime Patrol Squadron Thirty and held positions supporting U.S. Central Command. **Recent Roles and Current Position** Before his current appointment, Borges worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in multiple leadership capacities, including Business Owner of the CDC Data Platform and Acting Head of the Technology Implementation Office.[1] He also served as a White House Presidential Innovation Fellow, partnering with the CDC on the Public Health Data Modernization Initiative and providing part-time support to the data team in the Executive Office of the President.[1] Since January 2025, Borges has served as Chief Data Officer at the Social Security Administration, leading the Office of Analytics, Review, and Oversight.[1][6] In this role, he focuses on solving critical data and information challenges while improving customer experiences and supporting organizational innovation to ensure the stability of programs affecting all Americans. **Education and Credentials** Borges holds a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics from MIT, a Master of Science in Aeronautics/Aerospace Science from the University of Tennessee, and an MBA from the University of Maryland.[1] His professional certifications include Certified Scrum Product Owner, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and Certified Data Management Professional.[1]
About the Organizations Mentioned
Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent U.S. federal agency established in 1935 under the Social Security Act to administer the nation's Social Security program. Its core responsibilities include managing retirement, disability, and survivors insurance programs, as well as assigning Social Security numbers to U.S. residents[1][2][3]. The SSA also runs the Supplemental Security Income program, which provides financial assistance to people who are elderly, blind, or disabled with limited income[2]. SSA is one of the largest federal agencies in terms of financial scope. In fiscal year 2024, it accounted for 22.4% of all federal spending, distributing over $1.52 trillion in benefits to nearly 68 million people monthly[1][3]. These benefits support retired workers, disabled individuals, survivors of deceased workers, and their dependents, making SSA a fundamental social safety net and one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in U.S. history[4][6]. The agency has evolved to emphasize customer service and security, offering multiple online services such as benefit applications and status checks. It strives to improve accessibility and equity in delivering benefits, continually modernizing its systems to protect personal information and financial contributions with state-of-the-art technology[3][6]. SSA operates local offices, contact stations, and a toll-free number to facilitate access to its services nationwide, including home visits for those unable to travel[5]. Notably, SSA manages a pay-as-you-go system where current workers' taxes fund benefits for present beneficiaries, with surplus funds held in trust funds rather than individual accounts[4]. Its programs collectively provide financial protection through various life stages, supporting millions from birth to retirement and beyond[6]. SSA’s balance of large-scale benefit administration with advancing technology and customer service makes it a critical institution in both social policy and government technology infrastructure.
Washington Post
The Washington Post is a leading American daily newspaper headquartered in Washington, D.C., known for its influential political reporting and broad national audience. Founded in 1877 by Stilson Hutchins, it initially struggled financially and editorially until 1933, when financier Eugene Meyer purchased it out of bankruptcy and revitalized its reputation. The paper’s guiding principle, established by Meyer, was to "tell ALL the truth so far as it can learn it," setting a standard for rigorous journalism[1][2][4]. Under the leadership of the Meyer-Graham family—particularly Philip Graham, Katharine Graham, and later Donald Graham—the Post became a dominant force in American journalism. It expanded by acquiring rival publications and became Washington's principal morning newspaper, eventually holding a near-monopoly status in the region[1][4]. The paper gained international prominence for its pivotal role in publishing the Pentagon Papers in 1971, which exposed government deception regarding the Vietnam War, and for investigative reporting by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein during the Watergate scandal, which led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974[2][5]. The Post has earned 76 Pulitzer Prizes, ranking second only to The New York Times, and is regarded as a newspaper of record in the United States. Its journalists have received numerous prestigious awards, including Nieman Fellowships and White House News Photographers Association honors, reflecting its commitment to excellence in political and investigative journalism[2][5]. In 2013, the Graham family sold The Washington Post to Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, for $250 million, ushering in a new era focused on digital innovation and expanding its digital subscriber base, which reached 2.5 million by 2023. Despite a decline in print subscribers to below 100,000 by 2025, the Post remains a key player in business and technology news, maintaining foreign bureaus in London and Seoul to provide comprehensive global coverage[2]. Notable for its histori
