Identity Theft Protection Expert and One You Security: Research and News Reports Suggest that Government Often Mishandles Social Security Numbers

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(SARASOTA, Fla. – Aug. 14, 2008 – One You Security) An investigation slated for the September issue of Consumer Reports and announced in early August has suggested that government leaks of information resulted in the loss or exposure of about 44 million consumer records from 2005 to mid-2008. The government’s apparent negligence, evidenced by recent spot examples reported in the news, was worrisome but unsurprising, said Robert Siciliano, widely televised and quoted identity theft protection expert and chief security analyst for One You Security, LLC. He stressed that Social Security numbers are already exposed to the public, and pointed to One You’s service, which works to render the numbers useless to the thieves who can easily obtain them anyway.

“At the government level, leaks of identifying information useful to thieves occur on a grand scale,” said Siciliano. “This is largely because municipal governments continually fail to update their antiquated processes, which results in officials posting Social Security numbers and more online, for all to see. Most consumers recognize that this is incredibly negligent behavior. But they must also accept the fact that it nevertheless happens, and that privacy is not the answer. Why? Privacy is no longer possible. Consumers must now manage their unfortunate circumstances by turning to services that transform their no-longer-private information into something of no use to the thieves who are going to obtain it anyway.”

Subscribers to One You Security receive newsletters and special alerts from Siciliano. Through these, they get the latest information on data breaches and learn more about identity theft prevention. Chief security analyst for One You Security and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano regularly discusses data security and consumer protection on CNBC, on NBC’s “Today Show,” FOX News Network and elsewhere.

On Aug. 6, several news reports across the United States surfaced to suggest that Social Security numbers, as well as other identifying consumer information, are subject to questionable handling and practices when in the hands of municipal governments:

  • In Wayne County, Mich., many residents’ “Social Security numbers, salaries, birth dates and other important identifier information have been on the Web since 2000,” reported Detroit’s Daily Free Press.
  • The Associated Press reported that recipients of traffic citations in Virginia and the District of Columbia “could find their Social Security numbers posted on a state Web site if that information is on their driver’s license.” The online documents display full name, address, gender, height, weight and birth date of the drivers and, if their driver’s licenses have the information, their Social Security numbers, too.
  • In New York State, TheDemocrat and Chronicle reported that the Social Security numbers “of hundreds of Monroe County residents who filed for bankruptcy several years ago are available for viewing on the County Clerk’s Web site.” According to the article, the posting online of U.S. Bankruptcy Court documents, which display the information, was regular practice earlier in the decade.

These and other reports were in fact “par for the course,” according to Siciliano, who was unsurprised by Consumer Reports data on the matter announced two days earlier. The publication analyzed records of publicly reported data breaches compiled by the nonprofit Privacy Rights Clearinghouse and found more than 230 security lapses by federal, state, and local government from 2005 through mid-June 2008 resulting in the loss or exposure of at least 44 million consumer records containing Social Security or driver’s license numbers and other personal data, according to the press announcement.

“These numbers are staggering,” said Chris Harris, president and CEO of One You Security. “Consumers put a lot of trust in institutions such as government and business, and it must be tough for them to fathom the circumstances. For consumers to try to keep their Social Security numbers private is an admirable but lost cause. Every one of these Social Security numbers is there for the thief’s taking. The only solution is to transform those digits, already exposed to the public, into something of no use to criminals who would otherwise use the information to commit financial fraud.”

Consumers who choose One You Security do so in part because the company strives to transform their Social Security numbers into meaningless strings of digits of no use to thieves. The firm backs all its offerings with a 100 percent service guarantee.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on FOX News Network, where he explains how the ubiquity of Social Security numbers as universal identifiers helps thieves online and off-line. A collection of videos at VideoJug features Siciliano sharing advice on how consumers can protect themselves from identity theft and fraud.

###

About One You Security, LLC

Sarasota, Fla.-based One You Security‘s mission is to eliminate the threat and consequences of identity theft. For just $10 per month, anyone can sign up for One You Security’s identity theft protection service, a proactive, preventative approach whereby the company activates and manages its customers’ fraud alerts with major credit bureaus. Subscribers also receive full access to ongoing education from identity theft protection expert Robert Siciliano, chief security analyst for One You Security, which backs up its promise to protect clients’ financial identities with a 100 percent service guarantee. To sign up for One You Security, dial 1-800-434-2010.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, chief security analyst for One You Security, and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. Author of “The Safety Minute: 01” and leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on “The Today Show,” CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, “FOX News,” “The Suze Orman Show,” “The Montel Williams Show,” “Maury Povich,” “Sally Jesse Raphael,” “The Howard Stern Show,” and “Inside Edition.” Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft protection. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

Chris Harris
President & CEO of One You Security
PHONE: 941-342-0500 (x231)
chris@oneyou.com
http://www.oneyou.com

Robert Siciliano
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
Chief Security Analyst for One You Security
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
http://www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Protection Expert and One You Security: Research Shows Consumers Misplacing Blame for Identity Theft

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(SARASOTA, Fla. – Aug. 7, 2008 – One You Security) A large majority of U.S. consumers think personal irresponsibility is the main cause of identity theft, reported ePaymentsnews Network in July. But the finding, from Javelin Strategy & Research, really indicates that consumers without access to fraud prevention services are unaware of how little control they in fact have over their own information, said Robert Siciliano, the widely televised and quoted identity theft protection expert and chief security analyst for One You Security, LLC. Citing additional research, Siciliano suggested that firms stand much to gain by offering data breach victims an effective fraud prevention service, which One You Security provides.

"Consumers misunderstand the issue of identity theft and what causes it," said Siciliano. "No matter how careful consumers are with it, their information is already out there for any thief who wants it. The most responsible thing for them to do is to enroll in a service such as One You’s, which renders their Social Security numbers useless to the thieves who otherwise would use the digits to commit financial fraud. In fact, an institution itself can generate a great deal of good will among its customers by offering One You’s fraud prevention to them."

Subscribers to One You Security receive newsletters and special alerts from Siciliano. Through these, they get the latest information on data breaches and learn more about identity theft prevention. Chief security analyst for One You Security and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano regularly discusses data security and consumer protection on CNBC, on NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network and elsewhere.

According to a recent news item in ePaymentsnews Network, a survey by Javelin Strategy & Research found 88 percent of U.S. consumers pointing to personal irresponsibility as the main cause of identity theft. Another study, released by Javelin in June, looked at the perceptions of consumers whose data had fallen prey to security breaches. Fifty-five percent of these consumers expressed diminished confidence in the breached organization’s ability to protect and manage their personal data, according to Javelin’s news release, which went on to note that 56 percent of these consumers favor a solution that prevents fraud. Furthermore, 55 percent of breach victims who were offered a fraud protection solution were more satisfied with the institution’s handling of the incident than were those consumers who were not offered anything.

"How can consumers expect to be personally responsible when a company loses to theft the Social Security numbers they were required to provide in the first place?" asked Chris Harris, president and CEO of One You Security. "Consumers deserve, and soon will demand, the ability to be personally responsible with their data. This comes with fraud prevention services, which smart firms will offer. One You’s solution is a perfect example — an easy-to-use service that renders the consumer’s Social Security number functionally useless to the thief who would otherwise use the information to commit financial fraud at the consumer’s expense."

Consumers who choose One You Security do so in part because the company strives to transform their Social Security numbers into meaningless strings of digits of no use to thieves. The firm backs all its offerings with a 100 percent service guarantee.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on FOX News Network, where he explains how the ubiquity of Social Security numbers as universal identifiers helps thieves online and off-line. A collection of videos at VideoJug features Siciliano sharing advice on how consumers can protect themselves from identity theft and fraud.

###

About One You Security, LLC

Sarasota, Fla.-based One You Security‘s mission is to eliminate the threat and consequences of identity theft. For just $10 per month, anyone can sign up for One You Security’s identity theft protection service, a proactive, preventative approach whereby the company activates and manages its customers’ fraud alerts with major credit bureaus. Subscribers also receive full access to ongoing education from identity theft protection expert Robert Siciliano, chief security analyst for One You Security, which backs up its promise to protect clients’ financial identities with a 100 percent service guarantee. To sign up for One You Security, dial 1-800-434-2010.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, chief security analyst for One You Security, and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on "The Today Show," CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, "FOX News," "The Suze Orman Show," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," "The Howard Stern Show," and "Inside Edition." Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft protection. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

Chris Harris
President & CEO of One You Security
PHONE: 941-342-0500 (x231)
chris@oneyou.com
http://www.oneyou.com

Robert Siciliano
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
Chief Security Analyst for One You Security
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
http://www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Expert and MyLaptopGPS: Proliferation of Laptop Theft at Airports Echoes Last Year’s Rise in the Crime

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(BOSTON, Mass. – Aug. 8, 2008 – IDTheftSecurity.com) More than 15,000 laptop computers go missing every week from airports in Europe, according to new research, which added credence to another study that showed a 6 percent year-over-year increase in laptop theft in 2007. Widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert Robert Siciliano encouraged business travelers and the companies that employ them to consider services from MyLaptopGPS, a laptop tracking and data recovery firm mentioned in the August 2008 issue of Inc. Magazine.

“The pace of laptop theft may be mind-blowing to the casual observer,” said Siciliano. “But for those who follow these events, the numbers are anything but surprising. Business travelers and the organizations that employ them must look at laptop security as a requirement, not simply a ‘nice-to-have.’ Luckily, laptop security from MyLaptopGPS is affordable, which helps to precipitate the necessary changes in attitude.”

CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano leads Fortune 500 companies and their clients through consumer education workshops that explore security solutions for businesses and individuals. A longtime identity theft speaker and author of “The Safety Minute: 01,” he has discussed data security and consumer protection on CNBC, NBC’s “Today Show,” FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

According to research from The Ponemon Institute, every week approximately 3,300 laptop computers go missing, many of them to thieves, from Europe’s eight largest airports. About 900 of these incidents occur at London’s Heathrow Airport, alone, the joint study with Dell found.

Last year, the CSI Survey 2007 revealed that, compared to 2006, the rate of theft of laptop computers and mobile devices increased from 47 percent to 50 percent last year. This translated to a 6 percent increase over the previous year’s amount, which was “all the more believable in light of the sheer volume of missing laptops at European airports,” Siciliano noted.

“Research study after research study shows that laptop computer theft is a pervasive occurrence whose aftermath is extremely expensive for any organization,” said MyLaptopGPS’ chief technology officer, Dan Yost, who invited readers to visit the MyLaptopGPS blog. “MyLaptopGPS’ solution to laptop security, in contrast, is an affordable and simple-to-use alternative that can reverse the trend. Whereas the average laptop theft rate is more than twelve percent, the average theft rate for a laptop equipped with MyLaptopGPS is less than half a percent.”

At its website, MyLaptopGPS maintains a log of high-profile laptop thefts. Additionally, the company’s site displays the Realtime Estimated Damage Index (REDI™), a running tally of highly publicized laptop and desktop computer thefts and losses. The REDI also assesses those losses’ associated costs by drawing on estimates from the FBI and other sources that reflect the likelihood that identity theft and other crimes will occur whenever a computer is misplaced or stolen.

Anti-laptop theft technology such as MyLaptopGPS’ combines Internet-based GPS tracking — more effective than other forms of GPS for tracking and retrieving stolen laptops — with other functionalities to secure mobile computing devices. A user launches MyLaptopGPS’ features remotely, protecting data even while the machine is in a criminal’s hands. Once connected to the Internet, the software silently retrieves, and then deletes, files from machines as it tracks the stolen or missing hardware — at once returning the data to its rightful owner and removing it from the lost computer.

“Our laptop fleet was certainly worth protecting,” said Jim Sullivan, the network, systems and security administrator for FastForms, Inc. “We have procedures in place to help secure the machines, but we realized that we needed some key additional layers of security, such as covert tracking and remote-controlled data recovery and destruction. MyLaptopGPS’ solution is very easy to use, and we are quite satisfied. We would recommend MyLaptopGPS to any business seeking a simple solution to secure their laptops and data.”

Additionally, MyLaptopGPS offers SafeRegistry™, a comprehensive system for inventorying entire fleets of mobile computers, as well as a full line of highly renowned SafeTags™, which are police-traceable property tags designed to secure iPods, cell phones, BlackBerry devices, and other mobile property.

Readers may download a demo of MyLaptopGPS. A white paper is also available.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on FOX News Network, where he discussed this year’s data security breach at Hannaford Bros. and provided consumers affected by the theft with the tips they needed to avoid paying for fraudulent charges to their bank accounts and credit accounts. To learn more about identity theft, a major concern for anyone who’s lost a laptop computer to thieves, readers may go to video of Siciliano at VideoJug.

###

About MyLaptopGPS

Since 1984, Tri-8, Inc. (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) has specialized in complete system integration. From real-time electronic payment processing software to renowned mid-market ERP implementations, the executive team at MyLaptopGPS has been serving leading enterprises and implementing world-class data systems that simply work. With MyLaptopGPS™, Tri-8, Inc. brings a level of expertise, dedication, knowledge and service that is unmatched. MyLaptopGPS™’s rock-solid performance, security, and reliability flow directly from the company’s commitment to top-notch software products and services for almost 25 years.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on “The Today Show,” CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, “FOX News,” “The Suze Orman Show,” “The Montel Williams Show,” “Maury Povich,” “Sally Jesse Raphael,” “The Howard Stern Show,” and “Inside Edition.” Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

John Dunivan
MyLaptopGPS Media Relations
PHONE: (405) 747-6654 (direct line)
jd@MyLaptopGPS.com
www.MyLaptopGPS.com

Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://www.brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Expert and MyLaptopGPS: Securing Laptop Computers Helps to Protect College Students from Identity Theft

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(BOSTON, Mass. – Aug. 4, 2008 – IDTheftSecurity.com) Laptop thefts at college campuses across the U.S. have affected untold numbers of college students, who are prime targets for identity thieves, research has shown. According to widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert Robert Siciliano, those who want a simple, effective way to retrieve and protect their lost or stolen laptop computers and the data stored on them should look to MyLaptopGPS, a laptop tracking and data recovery firm mentioned in the August 2008 issue of Inc. Magazine.

“Smart universities and individual college students alike will consider these numbers and decide to protect themselves by installing better security on their laptop computers,” said Siciliano. “MyLaptopGPS at once provides one of the simplest and most effective options out there: Internet-based GPS tracking of stolen mobile devices and the simultaneous ability for subscribers to remotely retrieve and delete identity-revealing files from missing machines.”

CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano leads Fortune 500 companies and their clients through consumer education workshops that explore security solutions for businesses and individuals. A longtime identity theft speaker and author of “The Safety Minute: 01,” he has discussed data security and consumer protection on CNBC, NBC’s “Today Show,” FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission reported that 32 percent of the complaints it received in 2007 (the highest amount) were related to identity theft. Of these identity theft-related incidents, the FTC found that nearly a third targeted those in the 18-29 year old age bracket, noted a July 28th news release from the Identity Theft Resource Center.

In a July 4th report, The Chronicle of Higher Education drew the intuitive link between laptop thefts from U.S. college campuses and the problem of identity theft. Furthermore, thefts of laptops at universities have continued at a breakneck clip. Typically, the stolen mobile device is never recovered. The exception to the rule was a story that TheAssociated Press ran on July 22: the return, apparently by the thief, of a stolen laptop computer belonging to an Indiana State University professor that “contained personal information on more than 2,500 current and former Indiana State students, including names, grades, e-mail addresses and some Social Security numbers,” reported to the AP.

“Rarely is a stolen laptop computer found by the owner, let alone returned by the thief,” said MyLaptopGPS’ chief technology officer, Dan Yost, who directed readers to a log of high-profile laptop thefts that the company records at its website. “For individuals, the typical consequences of laptop theft are not only the permanent loss of a machine, but also the ever-present specter of identity theft. For organizations, the loss of the machine itself is the least of their worries; the costs associated with full disclosure of the event to those possibly affected and the threat of reparative litigation are potentially crippling.”

Along with a log of high-profile thefts, MyLaptopGPS‘ website keeps a running tally of highly publicized laptop and desktop computer thefts and losses. The Realtime Estimated Damage Index (REDI) also assesses those losses’ associated costs by drawing on estimates from the FBI and other sources that reflect the likelihood that identity theft and other crimes will occur whenever a computer is misplaced or stolen.

Anti-laptop theft technology such as MyLaptopGPS’ combines Internet-based GPS tracking — more effective than other forms of GPS for tracking and retrieving stolen laptops — with other functionalities to secure mobile computing devices. A user launches MyLaptopGPS’ features remotely, protecting data even while the machine is in a criminal’s hands. Once connected to the Internet, the software silently retrieves, and then deletes, files from machines as it tracks the stolen or missing hardware — at once returning the data to its rightful owner and removing it from the lost computer.

“I am investing a fortune in my daughter’s college education,” said Stanley Konopka, who selected MyLaptopGPS to help protect his college-bound daughter. “It makes perfect sense to spend a few dollars to protect and secure the most critical tool she has in earning her degree: her laptop.”

Additionally, MyLaptopGPS offers SafeRegistry™, a comprehensive system for inventorying entire fleets of mobile computers, as well as a full line of highly renowned SafeTags™, which are police-traceable property tags designed to secure iPods, cell phones, BlackBerry devices, and other mobile property.

Readers may download a demo of MyLaptopGPS. A white paper is also available.

YouTube video below shows Siciliano on FOX News Network, where he discussed this year’s data security breach at Hannaford Bros. and provided consumers affected by the theft with the tips they needed to avoid paying for fraudulent charges to their bank accounts and credit accounts. To learn more about identity theft, a major concern for anyone who’s lost a laptop computer to thieves, readers may go to video of Siciliano at VideoJug.

###

About MyLaptopGPS

Since 1984, Tri-8, Inc. (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) has specialized in complete system integration. From real-time electronic payment processing software to renowned mid-market ERP implementations, the executive team at MyLaptopGPS has been serving leading enterprises and implementing world-class data systems that simply work. With MyLaptopGPS™, Tri-8, Inc. brings a level of expertise, dedication, knowledge and service that is unmatched. MyLaptopGPS™’s rock-solid performance, security, and reliability flow directly from the company’s commitment to top-notch software products and services for almost 25 years.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on “The Today Show,” CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, “FOX News,” “The Suze Orman Show,” “The Montel Williams Show,” “Maury Povich,” “Sally Jesse Raphael,” “The Howard Stern Show,” and “Inside Edition.” Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

John Dunivan
MyLaptopGPS Media Relations
PHONE: (405) 747-6654 (direct line)
jd@MyLaptopGPS.com
www.MyLaptopGPS.com

Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://www.brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Protection Expert and One You Security: Research Reveals That Usability of Social Security Numbers Enables Mortgage Fraudsters

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(SARASOTA, Fla. – July 30, 2008 – One You Security) The results of a research investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation recently revealed an apparent, significant upward trend in the incidence of mortgage fraud. Furthermore, homeowners who have Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) are prime targets for financial fraud, suggested a related statement from the Identity Theft Assistance Center (ITAC). The best way to combat the threat is to transform Social Security numbers into something useless to thieves, who use these universal identifiers to obtain financial identities, said Robert Siciliano, widely televised and quoted identity theft protection expert and chief security analyst for One You Security, LLC.

"Social Security numbers’ de facto role as universal identifiers has fueled a massive increase in financial fraud—simply because these numbers allow criminals to assume others’ identities," said Siciliano. "Given the scope of financial fraud, which costs billions of dollars every year, consumers need a way to deprive thieves of the ability to gain access to someone else’s finances. They must implement measures that render those Social Security numbers useless to thieves."

Subscribers to One You Security receive newsletters and special alerts from Siciliano. Through these, they get the latest information on data breaches and learn more about identity theft prevention. Chief security analyst for One You Security and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano regularly discusses data security and consumer protection on CNBC, on NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network and elsewhere.

Released in April of 2008, the FBI’s 2007 Mortgage Fraud Report found that "Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) from financial institutions indicated an increase in mortgage fraud reporting" in 2007. The year-over-year increase in SARs was 31 percent, according to the report, which went on to note that there is no central repository for mortgage fraud complaints in the U.S. Additionally, the report revealed that the total dollar impact of mortgage fraud is unknown, but that the losses associated with just 7 percent of SARs in 2007 was $813 million.

A July 8th news release from ITAC noted the FBI report’s attention to an emerging, related crime: home equity credit fraud. Consumers with HELOCs should regularly check them for suspicious activity and unaccountable discrepancies in balances, according to ITAC, whose announcement was reported in The New York Times on July 27.

"How do thieves obtain credit?" asked Chris Harris, president and CEO of One You Security. "They do so by assuming the identity of another person, and it’s largely the utility of Social Security numbers that allows them to do so. Financial fraud related to identity theft is in fact dependent on this, but the effect of One You’s service functionally strips Social Security numbers of this utility, leaving criminals with nothing but a bunch of nine-digit numbers that no longer give them access to would-be victims’ financial identities."

Consumers who choose One You Security do so in part because the company strives to transform their Social Security numbers into meaningless strings of digits of no use to thieves. The firm backs all its offerings with a 100 percent service guarantee.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on FOX News Network, where he explains how the ubiquity of Social Security numbers as universal identifiers helps thieves online and off-line. A collection of videos at VideoJug features Siciliano sharing advice on how consumers can protect themselves from identity theft and fraud.

###

About One You Security, LLC

Sarasota, Fla.-based One You Security‘s mission is to eliminate the threat and consequences of identity theft. For just $10 per month, anyone can sign up for One You Security’s identity theft protection service, a proactive, preventative approach whereby the company activates and manages its customers’ fraud alerts with major credit bureaus. Subscribers also receive full access to ongoing education from identity theft protection expert Robert Siciliano, chief security analyst for One You Security, which backs up its promise to protect clients’ financial identities with a 100 percent service guarantee. To sign up for One You Security, dial 1-800-434-2010.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, chief security analyst for One You Security, and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on "The Today Show," CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, "FOX News," "The Suze Orman Show," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," "The Howard Stern Show," and "Inside Edition." Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft protection. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

Chris Harris
President & CEO of One You Security
PHONE: 941-342-0500 (x231)
chris@oneyou.com
http://www.oneyou.com

Robert Siciliano
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
Chief Security Analyst for One You Security
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
http://www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Protection Expert and One You Security: Year-Over-Year Spike in Data Breaches Will Prompt Consumers to Protect Their Own Financial Identities

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(SARASOTA, Fla. – July 23, 2008 – One You Security) The first half of 2008 saw a more than two-thirds year-over-year increase in the number of data breaches, revealed research reported last week. More than ever, consumers need a way to protect themselves as more of their Social Security numbers seem to go missing with every new breach of data, according to Robert Siciliano, widely televised and quoted identity theft protection expert and chief security analyst for One You Security, LLC. The key, he said, is One You Security’s service, which helps to render these universal identifiers useless to the thieves who would otherwise use them to steal consumers’ financial identities.

"Smart consumers notice the data breaches," said Siciliano. "They also realize that every security breach runs the risk of leaking data likely to include Social Security numbers, maybe even theirs. And until the infrastructure in place for identifying people fundamentally changes, these smart consumers will clamor for ways to protect their financial identities themselves. With its capacity to strip thieves of the ability to use Social Security numbers as a way to obtain financial identities, One You’s service provides the very solution these consumers seek."

Subscribers to One You Security receive newsletters and special alerts from Siciliano. Through these, they get the latest data on breaches and learn more about identity theft prevention. Chief security analyst for One You Security and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano regularly discusses data security and consumer protection on CNBC, on NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

Between Jan. 1 and June 27 of 2008, the number of data breaches recorded by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) was 342, the nonprofit organization reported in a June 27th statement, which noted that this was more than 69 percent greater than the same time period in 2007.

Spikes in the business sector fueled the overall increase despite significant decreases in others, revealed the ITRC’s data, which also provided numbers for 2006. Whereas the ITRC found that data breaches were down since 2006 in the educational sector by 24 percent and in the government and military sector by 43 percent, data breaches jumped over the past two years by 75 percent in the business sector. Furthermore, since 2006 the number of data breaches has increased in the health and medical sector by 15 percent and in the banking, financial and credit sector by 25 percent.

"Given the entire identification system’s reliance on Social Security numbers," said Chris Harris, president and CEO of One You Security, "the most practical approach by far is to make those digits functionally useless to the thieves who obtain them. For a long time, the frequency of data breaches has left consumers in need of a quickly implementable solution that allows them to protect their financial identities. As much as a seventy-five percent increase in the number of data breaches over the past couple years only intensifies that need, which One You meets."

Consumers who choose One You Security do so in part because the company strives to transform their Social Security numbers into meaningless strings of digits of no use to thieves. The firm backs all its offerings with a 100 percent service guarantee.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on "FOX Newschannel,” where he explains how the ubiquity of Social Security numbers as universal identifiers helps thieves online and off-line. A collection of videos at VideoJug features Siciliano sharing advice on how consumers can protect themselves from identity theft and fraud.

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About One You Security, LLC

Sarasota, Fla.-based One You Security‘s mission is to eliminate the threat and consequences of identity theft. For just $10 per month, anyone can sign up for One You Security’s identity theft protection service, a proactive, preventative approach whereby the company activates and manages its customers’ fraud alerts with major credit bureaus. Subscribers also receive full access to ongoing education from identity theft protection expert Robert Siciliano, chief security analyst for One You Security, which backs up its promise to protect clients’ financial identities with a 100 percent service guarantee. To sign up for One You Security, dial 1-800-434-2010.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, chief security analyst for One You Security, and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on "The Today Show," CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, "FOX News," "The Suze Orman Show," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," "The Howard Stern Show," and "Inside Edition." Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft protection. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

Chris Harris
President & CEO of One You Security
PHONE: 941-342-0500 (x231)
chris@oneyou.com
http://www.oneyou.com

Robert Siciliano
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
Chief Security Analyst for One You Security
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
http://www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Expert and MyLaptopGPS: Research and the Latest News Reports Underscore the Frequency of Laptop Theft and Loss

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(BOSTON, Mass. – July 23, 2008 – IDTheftSecurity.com) Up to 12,000 laptop computers go missing every week at U.S. airports, research released in late June indicated, and the U.K.’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) this week announced that it lost about one laptop computer every two days over the past four years. Laptop theft and loss is bound to occur, said widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert Robert Siciliano, who encouraged those seeking a simple, effective solution to the dilemma to consider the services and technology of MyLaptopGPS, a laptop tracking and data recovery firm.

"Laptop tracking and data recovery are not as complicated or expensive as they sound," said Siciliano. "In fact, the amount of money it takes to secure mobile computing devices of all kinds against thieves and carelessness is inconsequential compared to the potentially monumental cost of even one laptop theft or loss. Recovery of the hardware is just one part of the equation, after all, and perhaps the least important; lawsuits and the cost of informing all those whose data may have resided on the machine can add up to a catastrophic financial hit. And it’s all avoidable."

CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano leads Fortune 500 companies and their clients through consumer education workshops that explore security solutions for businesses and individuals. A longtime identity theft speaker and author of "The Safety Minute: 01," he has discussed data security and consumer protection on CNBC, NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

Nearly 640,000 laptop computers go missing at U.S. airports every year, revealed a report released on June 30 by the Ponemon Institute. Sponsored by Dell, the research explored travelers’ attention to the security of their laptop computers and the data stored on them. For instance, a full 65 percent of business travelers "do not take steps to protect the confidential or sensitive information contained on [their] laptop when traveling on business," according to the report, which went on to note that nearly half (47 percent) of these mobile machines store client, customer or consumer data.

In yet more worrisome news regarding the frequency of laptop computer theft and loss, Information World Review and others reported on July 21 that the MoD lost the equivalent of one laptop computer every two days over the past four years. Also lost were 121 USB memory sticks belonging to MoD, with a number of these containing information coded as "secret" or "restricted," Information World Review reported.

"Clearly, the theft or other loss of laptops occurs far more often than owners of them tend to believe," said MyLaptopGPS’ chief technology officer, Dan Yost, who directed readers to a log of high-profile laptop thefts that the company records at its website. "And this fact makes the laptop thief’s job easy, for the sentiment that laptop theft can’t happen to them lulls owners of mobile computing devices into leaving their machines unsecured. A slight yet significant shift in thinking is necessary for organizations and individuals that rely on laptop computers to recognize the great importance of securing them against loss and theft."

Along with a log of high-profile thefts, MyLaptopGPS‘ website keeps a running tally of highly publicized laptop and desktop computer thefts and losses. The Realtime Estimated Damage Index (REDI) also assesses those losses’ associated costs by drawing on estimates from the FBI and other sources that reflect the likelihood that identity theft and other crimes will occur whenever a computer is misplaced or stolen.

Anti-laptop theft technology such as MyLaptopGPS’ combines Internet-based GPS tracking — more effective than other forms of GPS for tracking and retrieving stolen laptops — with other functionalities to secure mobile computing devices. Users launch MyLaptopGPS’ features remotely, protecting data even while the machine is in a criminal’s hands. Once connected to the Internet, the software silently retrieves, and then deletes, files from machines as it tracks the stolen or missing hardware — at once returning the data to its rightful owner and removing it from the lost computer.

"Our laptop fleet was certainly worth protecting," said Jim Sullivan, the network, systems and security administrator for FastForms, Inc. "We have procedures in place to help secure the machines, but we realized that we needed some key additional layers of security, such as covert tracking and remote-controlled data recovery and destruction. MyLaptopGPS’ solution is very easy to use, and we are quite satisfied. We would recommend MyLaptopGPS to any business seeking a simple solution to secure their laptops and data."

Additionally, MyLaptopGPS offers SafeRegistry™, a comprehensive system for inventorying entire fleets of mobile computers, as well as a full line of highly renowned SafeTags™, which are police-traceable property tags designed to secure iPods, cell phones, BlackBerry devices, and other mobile property.

Readers may download a demo of MyLaptopGPS. A white paper is also available.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on "FOX Newschannel," where he discussed this year’s data security breach at Hannaford Bros. and provided consumers affected by the theft with the tips they needed to avoid paying for fraudulent charges to their bank accounts and credit accounts. To learn more about identity theft, a major concern for anyone who’s lost a laptop computer to thieves, readers may go to video of Siciliano at VideoJug.

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About MyLaptopGPS

Since 1984, Tri-8, Inc. (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) has specialized in complete system integration. From real-time electronic payment processing software to renowned mid-market ERP implementations, the executive team at MyLaptopGPS has been serving leading enterprises and implementing world-class data systems that simply work. With MyLaptopGPS™, Tri-8, Inc. brings a level of expertise, dedication, knowledge and service that is unmatched. MyLaptopGPS™’s rock-solid performance, security, and reliability flow directly from the company’s commitment to top-notch software products and services for almost 25 years.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on "The Today Show," CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, "FOX News," "The Suze Orman Show," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," "The Howard Stern Show," and "Inside Edition." Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

John Dunivan
MyLaptopGPS Media Relations
PHONE: (405) 747-6654 (direct line)
jd@MyLaptopGPS.com
www.MyLaptopGPS.com

Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://www.brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Protection Expert and One You Security: Recent News Highlights Susceptibility of Data Exposed to Peer-to-Peer Networks

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(SARASOTA, Fla. – July 16, 2008 – One You Security) Use of a file-sharing network by an employee at an investment firm in McLean, Va., last year exposed the private financial and identifying data of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and others to the public, according to news reported last week. Peer-to-peer networks in fact contain a minefield of security pitfalls, said Robert Siciliano, widely televised and quoted identity theft protection expert and chief security analyst for One You Security, LLC, who urged organizations to limit their computer users’ access to file-sharing networks, also known as P2P or peer-to-peer networks. Siciliano further encouraged firms of all kinds to introduce employees to One You Security, a firm whose focus is to render Social Security numbers unusable to thieves who want to steal financial identities.

"Peer-to-peer networks, otherwise known as file-sharing networks, function by establishing fluid, generally unsecure connections between geographically dispersed computers," said Siciliano. "These networks are prime haunts for high-tech identity thieves, who will visit them in order to gain access to the databases behind computers logged in. This is one way that thieves obtain the Social Security numbers they need to commit all manner of financial identity fraud — and why the solution is to turn to services such as One You’s, which can make Social Security numbers useless to the thieves who would otherwise use them to steal financial identities."

Subscribers to One You Security receive newsletters and special alerts from Siciliano. Through these, they get the latest data on breaches and learn more about identity theft prevention. Chief security analyst for One You Security and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano regularly discusses data security and consumer protection on CNBC, on NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

On July 8, The Washington Post and others reported that an employee at a Washington, D.C.-area investment firm who used the popular file-sharing (peer-to-peer) site LimeWire inadvertently released to the public the private financial and identifying information on many of the firm’s clients, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer. Analysts quoted in a nextgov article covering the breach involving the Supreme Court Justice’s data said peer-to-peer security holes are posing an increasing threat to data repositories of many kinds.

"P2P networks represent yet another access point that thieves have to consumers’ treasured identifying information, namely Social Security numbers," said Chris Harris, president and CEO of One You Security. "These numbers are the keys to everything for identity thieves. But what if they keys didn’t work? What if other people’s Social Security numbers were of no use to the thieves who want to steal financial identities with them? That’s what One You relentlessly strives to do — make Social Security numbers of as little use as possible to thieves. Until Social Security numbers cease to be universal identifiers, someone will have to step into the vacuum and functionally strip Social Security numbers of their potency as a means to obtain financial identities."

Consumers who choose One You Security do so in part because the company strives to transform their Social Security numbers into meaningless strings of numbers of no use to thieves. The firm backs all its offerings with a 100 percent service guarantee.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on FOX News Network, where he explains how thieves were able to crack the computers of Hannaford Bros., a grocery chain that operates 165 stores in the Northeast, to obtain the credit card and debit card numbers of millions of customers. A collection of videos at VideoJug features Siciliano sharing advice on how consumers can protect themselves from identity theft and fraud.

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About One You Security, LLC

Sarasota, Fla.-based One You Security‘s mission is to eliminate the threat and consequences of identity theft. For just $10 per month, anyone can sign up for One You Security’s identity theft protection service, a proactive, preventative approach whereby the company activates and manages its customers’ fraud alerts with major credit bureaus. Subscribers also receive full access to ongoing education from identity theft protection expert Robert Siciliano, chief security analyst for One You Security, which backs up its promise to protect clients’ financial identities with a 100 percent service guarantee. To sign up for One You Security, dial 1-800-434-2010.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, chief security analyst for One You Security, and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on "The Today Show," CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, "FOX News," "The Suze Orman Show," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," "The Howard Stern Show," and "Inside Edition." Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft protection. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

Chris Harris
President & CEO of One You Security
PHONE: 941-342-0500 (x231)
chris@oneyou.com
http://www.oneyou.com

Robert Siciliano
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
Chief Security Analyst for One You Security
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
http://www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Protection Expert and One You Security: Efforts to Remove Social Security Numbers from Medicare Cards Are Misplaced

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(SARASOTA, Fla. – July 9, 2008 – One You Security) Earlier this week, an announcement attributed to the office of U.S. Congressional Representative Paul Hodes (Dem.-NH) called for legislation to remove Social Security numbers from senior citizens’ Medicare cards. But according to at least one industry insider, Robert Siciliano — the widely televised and quoted identity theft protection expert and chief security analyst for One You Security, LLC — the effort is well-meaning yet misplaced. Furthermore, Siciliano said One You Security understands that it’s impossible to remove Social Security numbers from the public domain, where they have already been for years, and that consumers instead need protection that renders these universal identifiers useless to the thieves who would otherwise use them to steal financial identities.

“The focus should not be on efforts to hide Social Security numbers,” said Siciliano. “It’s impossible to do so, and legislators should instead introduce measures to sever any and all connections between citizens’ identities and Social Security numbers, which are, unfortunately, already out there for the taking. There is little indicating, however, that these kinds of measures are anywhere on the horizon, and consumers therefore need the services of a company like One You to help block thieves’ ability to use Social Security numbers to assume financial identities.”

Subscribers to One You Security receive newsletters and special alerts from Siciliano. Through these, they get the latest data on breaches and learn more about identity theft prevention. Chief security analyst for One You Security and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano regularly discusses data security and consumer protection on CNBC, on NBC’s “Today Show,” FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

On July 7, Rep. Hodes announced that he had introduced the Medicare Card Security Act (H.R. 6399) to debate in the U.S. House of Representatives. According to the associated news release from Hodes’ office, in an effort to help protect seniors from becoming the victims of identity theft the bill calls to prohibit the display of Social Security numbers on their Medicare cards.

Meanwhile, other news reports highlighted apparent contradictions in advice that the U.S. Government gives citizens regarding the proper handling of their Social Security numbers. A July 3rd article from The Associated Press, for instance, observed that “[t]he nation’s Medicare agency and the Pentagon want at least 52 million Americans to carry their Social Security numbers in their wallets, contrary to warnings by the Federal Trade Commission that people should avoid doing so.”

“We see a lot of disagreement and contradictory advice when it comes to Social Security numbers, how they contribute to the spread of identity theft, and what to do about it,” said Chris Harris, president and CEO of One You Security. “But few of the so-called experts are really getting it right: Making Social Security numbers private isn’t the answer. In fact, it’s a measure that’s impossible to implement. For good or ill, Social Security numbers already proliferate the public domain, and the way to stop identity theft has very little to do, in any practical sense, with the privacy of these numbers. The best way, rather, to protect any consumer’s financial identity is to make Social Security numbers useless to the thieves who already have them.”

Consumers who choose One You Security do so in part because the company strives to transform their Social Security numbers into meaningless strings of numbers of no use to thieves. The firm backs all its offerings with a 100 percent service guarantee.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on FOX News Network, where he explains how thieves were able to crack the computers of Hannaford Bros., a grocery chain that operates 165 stores in the Northeast, to obtain the credit card and debit card numbers of millions of customers. A collection of videos at VideoJug features Siciliano sharing advice on how consumers can protect themselves from identity theft and fraud.

###

About One You Security, LLC

Sarasota, Fla.-based One You Security‘s mission is to eliminate the threat and consequences of identity theft. For just $10 per month, anyone can sign up for One You Security’s identity theft protection service, a proactive, preventative approach whereby the company activates and manages its customers’ fraud alerts with major credit bureaus. Subscribers also receive full access to ongoing education from identity theft protection expert Robert Siciliano, chief security analyst for One You Security, which backs up its promise to protect clients’ financial identities with a 100 percent service guarantee. To sign up for One You Security, dial 1-800-434-2010.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, chief security analyst for One You Security, and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. Author of “The Safety Minute: 01” and leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on “The Today Show,” CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, “FOX News,” “The Suze Orman Show,” “The Montel Williams Show,” “Maury Povich,” “Sally Jesse Raphael,” “The Howard Stern Show,” and “Inside Edition.” Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft protection. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

Chris Harris
President & CEO of One You Security
PHONE: 941-342-0500 (x231)
chris@oneyou.com
http://www.oneyou.com

Robert Siciliano
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
Chief Security Analyst for One You Security
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
http://www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Protection Expert and One You Security: Privacy of Social Security Numbers Not the Key to Identity Theft Prevention

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(SARASOTA, Fla. – July 1, 2008 – One You Security) As word in late June revealed a debate over removing Social Security numbers from patients’ Medicare cards to protect their privacy, survey results reported elsewhere showed a high level of concern among consumers about identity theft. But the focus should be on protecting financial identities, not on attempting to keep Social Security numbers private, said Robert Siciliano, widely televised and quoted identity theft protection expert and chief security analyst for One You Security, LLC. Rather than trying to keep subscribers’ Social Security numbers private, the firm puts its efforts into rendering these digits useless to the thieves who would otherwise use them to steal financial identities.

"It’s futile to protect the privacy of Social Security numbers," said Siciliano. "Organizations that propose to do so mean well, but misunderstand the crime of identity theft and the extent to which Social Security numbers are already there for the taking. Any thief can obtain a Social Security number. It’s impossible to return to the days when Social Security numbers were largely unavailable to the public at large. Consumers now need services that allow them to protect their financial identities even when criminals have their Social Security numbers in hand."

Chief security analyst for One You Security and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano regularly discusses data security and consumer protection on CNBC, on NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network, and elsewhere. Subscribers to One You Security receive newsletters and special alerts from Siciliano. Through these, they get the latest data on breaches and learn more about identity theft prevention.

On June 22, The New York Times reported on an apparent disagreement between Social Security officials and their Medicare counterparts over the use of Social Security numbers on patients’ cards. Social Security administrators called "for immediate action to remove Social Security numbers from the Medicare cards used by millions of Americans," reported the article, which went on to note that Medicare officials "resisted the proposal, saying it would be costly and impractical."

Meanwhile, consumers across the globe are expressing a high level of concern over identity theft and financial fraud, revealed the latest Unisys Security Index. Drawing on survey responses from 13,296 people, the twice-yearly inventory of consumers’ security concerns found that identity theft is the greatest area of consumer distress in 9 of 14 countries. Worries over financial fraud closely followed: "Concerns about misuse of credit or debit card details rank […] 1st or 2nd in 12 out of 14 countries," according to Unisys’ website.

"Trying to assuage consumers’ fears over the theft of their financial identities by promising to protect the privacy of their Social Security numbers is misleading," said Chris Harris, president and CEO of One You Security. "Long gone are the days when Social Security numbers were private. A thief can now obtain anyone’s Social Security number online for about fifty bucks, and this isn’t going to change. The far superior approach is to make that Social Security number useless to the criminal who wants to use it to steal a financial identity."

Consumers who choose One You Security do so in part because the company strives to transform their Social Security numbers into meaningless strings of numbers of no use to thieves. The firm backs all its offerings with a 100 percent service guarantee.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on FOX News Network, where he explains how thieves were able to crack the computers of Hannaford Bros., a grocery chain that operates 165 stores in the Northeast, to obtain the credit card and debit card numbers of millions of customers. A collection of videos at VideoJug features Siciliano sharing advice on how consumers can protect themselves from identity theft and fraud.

###

About One You Security, LLC

Sarasota, Fla.-based One You Security‘s mission is to eliminate the threat and consequences of identity theft. For just $10 per month, anyone can sign up for One You Security’s identity theft protection service, a proactive, preventative approach whereby the company activates and manages its customers’ fraud alerts with major credit bureaus. Subscribers also receive full access to ongoing education from identity theft protection expert Robert Siciliano, chief security analyst for One You Security, which backs up its promise to protect clients’ financial identities with a 100 percent service guarantee. To sign up for One You Security, dial 1-800-434-2010.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, chief security analyst for One You Security, and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on "The Today Show," CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, "FOX News," "The Suze Orman Show," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," "The Howard Stern Show," and "Inside Edition." Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft protection. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

Chris Harris
President & CEO of One You Security
PHONE: 941-342-0500 (x231)
chris@oneyou.com
http://www.oneyou.com

Robert Siciliano
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
Chief Security Analyst for One You Security
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
http://www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://brentskinner.blogspot.com