Entries by Robert Siciliano

Identity Theft Expert and MyLaptopGPS: Three Laptop Computers Reported Over Last Month as Being Stolen Contain More Than 200,000 Unique Data Records

(BOSTON, Mass. – Sept. 5, 2008 – IDTheftSecurity.com) Thefts, reported over the last month, of laptop computers belonging to a large national brewer and a well known engineering school placed more than 200,000 unique data records in jeopardy. Despite spokespeople’s reassurances that related identity thefts were unlikely, the default thinking needs to be that identity…

Identity Theft Protection Expert and One You Security: Rate of Reported Data Breaches in 2008 Means Total Could Be One-Third Greater Than Last Year’s

(SARASOTA, Fla. – Aug. 28, 2008 – One You Security) Last week, a widely cited, running tally of reported data breaches involving personal consumer information indicated that the number to date in 2008 had already surpassed the total for 2007. The pace of reported data breaches suggested that the final number for 2008 would be…

Identity Theft Expert and MyLaptopGPS: Organizations Must Protect Employee Data Stored on Mobile Computing Devices

(BOSTON, Mass. – Aug. 22, 2008 – IDTheftSecurity.com) In July, the theft of multiple laptop computers belonging to a Missouri-based cable provider left more than 9,000 of the firm’s current and former employees’ confidential data in the hands of thieves. The potential, crippling financial consequences of this and other laptop thefts, however, could easily be…

Identity Theft Protection Expert and One You Security: Common Data Handling Practices Mean Consumers Need Protection against Financial Fraud

(SARASOTA, Fla. – Aug. 22, 2008 – One You Security) From mid-2006 to mid-2008, consumers’ private and confidential information went missing from a majority of U.K. firms, according to data announced earlier this summer by researchers who said 90 percent of these incidents went unreported to customers. The findings reflect major reasons for consumers to…

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

(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…

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

(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…

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

(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…

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

(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…

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

(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…

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

(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…