Identity Theft Speaker Expert; Data protection trumps threat pursuit in SMBs’ 2009 security spending

Identity Theft Protection Expert Speaker Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com comments on;

Data protection trumps threat pursuit in SMBs’ 2009 security spending

Lovely. A “full percentage point”. Enterprise networks continue to get harder dropping millions into security. SMBs are investing a full percentage point, which if you didnt already chuckle is like saying “we are doing NOTHING”. If your financial portfolio manager told you “Im going to increase your portfolio a full percentage point” would you keep him? Its just not satisfactory. Criminal Hackers are winning and this is why.

HERE:

By Linda Tucci, Senior News Writer
06 Jan 2009 | SearchCIO-Midmarket.com

IT executives at small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) will spend a full percentage point more of their IT budgets on security in 2009 than 2008, according to a new study from Forrester Research Inc. The change will result from a shift in security strategy from computer security threat defense to corporate data protection.

Identity Theft Expert Speaker;SENATORS GREGG AND FEINSTEIN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN MEASURE TO COMBAT IDENTITY THEFT AND PROTECT PRIVACY

Identity Theft Expert Speaker Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com comments

Grandstanding is when politicians get up on a podium and tie in their name with laws that may get them re-elected. This particular piece of legislation has that smell. Identity theft protection and identity theft prevention begins with authentication and finishes with accountability. Putting a band-aid on the issue will not solve the problem. Beef up Real ID and lock down credit as we know it.

Here:

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to curb the growing epidemic of identity theft by making it harder for criminals to steal another person’s Social Security number. The measure, entitled the Protecting the Privacy of Social Security Numbers Act, prohibits the sale or display of Social Security numbers to the general public without an individual’s consent. It also requires government agencies to take steps to protect Social Security numbers from being displayed or accessed. In the past, this bill has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, although the Senate has yet to pass it.

Senator Gregg stated, “As online activity and identity theft continues to increase, Congress must redouble its efforts to guard personal identifying information. An enormous amount of information is tied to a person’s Social Security number, and I’m pleased, once again, to join with Senator Feinstein to help keep it safe from fraud or other harmful uses. Our bipartisan legislation establishes strong, common sense prohibitions on the sale and display of Social Security numbers. This measure will help to protect against identity theft and enhance the privacy of all Americans, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues on getting it signed into law this Congress.”

The legislation would:

· Prohibit the sale, purchase or display of a Social Security number by any person without the number holder’s consent.

· Restricts the display of Social Security numbers on public records published on the Internet or in electronic form.

· In limited circumstances (such as for credit checks or law enforcement purposes), the bill would permit legitimate business and government uses of Social Security numbers.

Identity Theft Expert Speaker; Panel proposes expanded privacy in public records

Identity Theft Expert Speaker Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com Comments;

Most of the comments by those polled below are legitimate concerns fraught with desperation and  lack of understanding of the problem.  The proverbial cat is out of the bag. Privacy is dead. Privacy is an illusion. While the masses say they want privacy, the reality is they want cheap goods and convenience. People will give up all their privacy for a free candy bar. While government can and should redact personal data and do what they can to sure up “private information”, the data is already out there. It is up to the individual to understand this and manage their circumstances.

The next generation is growing up via social networks. “Privacy” will be associated with words or phrases such as 8-track tape or “No Doc Mortgage”.

So when someone calls you with your dossier and they use this to extract even more data or to threaten you in some way know what is happening and how. Even if every SSN was redacted, that wouldnt stop identity theft.

HERE;

“Panel proposes expanded privacy in public records”

Iowa governments would have greater authority to black out personal information from public records under proposals recommended by a legislative committee.

Advocates say the proposals would protect citizens from identity theft.

But opponents say the unintended results could be alarming, particularly if the public is unable to differentiate between, for example, a convicted sex offender and another citizen with the same name.

“The public has more to fear from government records containing information about them of which they are unaware than the release of information pertaining to them,” said Bill Monroe, executive director of the Iowa Newspaper Association.

Lawmakers formed the Identity Theft Prevention Study Committee, which met in November, to consider how the release of personal information in Iowa could make residents vulnerable to identity theft.

Public concern heightened this year when privacy advocates complained about a land records site, IowaLandRecords.org. The Social Security numbers of thousands of Iowans from all 99 counties were listed on the site, including those of Gov. Chet Culver and Secretary of State Michael Mauro.

Administrators of the site quickly shut down the ability to view details of the records after the advocates pointed out the problem. The group says removing personal information from all the records – called redaction – will cost the state as much as $2.3 million, which includes $500,000 to update its computer programs.

Culver said in an interview this week that he agrees steps should be taken to redact personal information from public records that can be used to steal Iowans’ identities.

However, he said he was not sure how the state would pay for such efforts. County recorders, for example, have proposed increasing an electronic filing fee from $1 to $3 to pay for the redaction effort.

“I think protecting individuals’ identity is important,” Culver said. “Once it gets to the level of security risk, we should take steps to limit how far we go in terms of disclosing things like Social Security numbers.”

The committee made 11 recommendations, several of which would give governments more power to remove Social Security or bank account numbers.

Sen. Steve Kettering, R-Lake View, a member of the study committee, said there is no simple answer to the problem. Lawmakers must find the appropriate balance between protecting identities and maintaining public records that protect the public through transparent government.

“There isn’t an easy solution, and that’s the hard part,” said Kettering, who noted that detailed records are critical in his profession as president of Farmers State Bank in Lake View.

Open-records advocates generally agree that some sensitive information like credit card numbers should not be released. The problem arises if governments redact information such as dates of birth, addresses or other unique identifiers, said Kathleen Richardson of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council.

Richardson said lawmakers need to establish how frequently identity theft occurs through public records. She believes the problem is rare.

“I think there needs to be a demonstrated need of why we need to vacuum public records,” Richardson said. “We also have to carefully consider what our definition of personal information is and make sure it’s not so broad that it wipes out too much information.”

Sen. Steve Warnstadt, D-Sioux City, said the committee has tried to be sensitive to the concerns brought forward by openrecords advocates when making its recommendations. The recommendations will likely be used to help draft proposals during the 2009 legislative session, which begins Jan. 12.

“The point of this is not to restrict access. The point is to prevent identity theft and personal information from being disclosed from people who don’t have a legitimate reason to have that information,” said Warnstadt, the committee co-chairman.

Robert Siciliano
POB 15145
Boston MA 02215
Ph: 1 888 SICILIANO (888 742-4542)
e-mail: Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
Web: www.IDTheftSecurity.com
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Identity Theft Expert Speaker; Health center workers used deceased patient info to apply for loans

Identity Theft Expert Speaker Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com discusses Health center workers used deceased patient info to apply for loans.

Medical identity theft  means lots of things depending on how the person was victimized. Generally something needs to impact the person medical record. In other cases it may impact their health insurance. The thief may gain insurance money, drugs or medical procedures.

Below is a case that resulted in financial identity theft due to health care professionals having access to deceased clients records. The insidiousness of the crime victimizes the family members after their loved-one has departed. Leaving them to clean up the mess. In the case below the perps got greedy and were caught. If they werent so greedy they may have got away with it over an extended period of time.

This case represents a flawed system that relys on Social Security Numbers as identifiers and makes no effort to properly identify and authenticate the borrower.

By Valryn Warren

Staff Writer

Friday, December 26, 2008

ENGLEWOOD — Two Samaritan North Health Center employees indicted on identity theft and money laundering charges used information from deceased patients to apply for online loans, police said Friday, Dec. 26.

Linda McDermott-Dorsey and Lisa Kidd, both of Trotwood, were indicted Dec. 23. McDermott-Dorsey is charged with 11 counts of money laundering and one count of identity theft, Kidd with 19 counts of money laundering and one of identity theft.

Englewood Police Sgt. Mike Lang said Samaritan North Health Center did an internal investigation and then called police, after being contacted by an on-line loan company the women are accused to trying to swindle.

“It was really a case of due diligence by the hospital and online companies monitoring suspicious transactions from the same location,” he said. “When we conducted our investigation, the families of the deceased were unaware that anything like this had happened.”

Lang said the women allegedly obtained a little more than $7,000 using information from 24 people over about a five week period, May-June 2007. They checked newspaper obituaries and used the hospital computer system to gather the personal information of deceased persons who had been Good Samaritan Hospital patients, Lang said.

The money laundering charges stem from online bank accounts opened and used to transfer funds. No court date has been set.

Identity Theft Expert Speaker FTC Issues Report on Social Security Numbers

Identity Theft Expert Speaker Robert Siciliano discusses FTC Issues Report on Social Security Numbers and Identity Theft. Agency Makes Five Recommendations to Reduce Role of SSNs in Identity Theft

All of this below makes total sense. And each recommendation is a step in the right direction to solve the problem. But until all citizens are properly identified and authenticated, the problem wont go away.  Currently there isnt any accountability. With full authentication, accountability becomes possible. Further, the credit bureaus and others relying on readily accessible SSNs are exasperating the problem. Fraud alerts across the board requiring all credit applicants to authenticate will begin to solve the problem. www.IDTheftSecurity.com

HERE:

The Federal Trade Commission issued a report today recommending five measures to help prevent Social Security numbers from being used for identity theft. Principal among the report’s recommendations is that Congress consider taking action to strengthen the procedures that private-sector organizations use to authenticate their customers’ identities.

“Identity theft continues to be a major problem in this country, with victims numbering in the millions each year and out-of-pocket losses (primarily to businesses) in the billions of dollars,” the report states.

The FTC report states that adopting nationwide standards for how businesses and other organizations verify the identity of new and existing customers would make it harder for identity thieves to use SSNs and other stolen information to consummate their fraud.

“The first step in minimizing the role of SSNs in identity theft is to limit the demand for SSNs by making it more difficult for thieves to use them to open new accounts, access existing accounts, or obtain other benefits or services,” the FTC states in the report. Currently, the only private-sector organizations subject to nationwide authentication standards are financial institutions regulated by the federal banking agencies. The FTC’s report recommends that Congress consider establishing similar standards to cover all private-sector entities that maintain consumer accounts. Such standards would require organizations to adopt reasonable procedures for authenticating customers, but also would allow them to adopt a program that is compatible with their size and the nature of their business, the report states.

The FTC report also recommends that steps be taken to reduce the unnecessary display and transmission of SSNs, but noted that such restrictions must be approached carefully. A number of important functions in the U.S. economy depend on use of and access to SSNs, and the report concluded that overly restrictive attempts to limit the availability of SSNs could unintentionally curtail those functions. Finally, the report recommends steps to improve data security, increase outreach to consumers and businesses on the protection of SSNs, and enhance coordination and information-sharing among organizations that routinely use SSNs.

The Commission vote to issue the report was 4-0. The report was developed pursuant to a recommendation of the President’s Identity Theft Task Force, which was established in May 2006 to develop a coordinated plan to prevent identity theft, prosecute identity thieves, and help victims recover from the crime.

The report is based on extensive fact-finding by the FTC and other federal agencies, including public comments and a workshop the FTC conducted on December 10-11, 2007. The workshop provided a forum for public-sector, private-sector, and consumer representatives to discuss the various uses of SSNs by the private sector, the necessity of those uses, alternatives available, the challenges faced by the private sector in moving away from using SSNs, and how SSNs are obtained and used by identity thieves.

The report issued by the FTC today focuses on the use of SSNs in the private sector. The Task Force agencies have undertaken a series of measures to curtail the use of SSNs by federal agencies as well. Information on those efforts can be found in the President’s Identity Theft Task Force Report, http://www.idtheft.gov/reports/IDTReport2008.pdf, issued in September 2008, which summarizes the steps taken to implement the Task Force recommendations.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,500 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

Identity Theft Speaker Expert comments on State of Identity Theft

As an Identity Theft Speaker and Expert on the issue of Identity Theft for over 10 years, Ive seen lots and lots of hullabaloo and misinformation over the issue. Its the end of 2008. Progress has been made to make people aware of the issue of identity theft. However, based on a loosely conducted pole,  consumers are still in the dark as to how to protect themselves. Most dont know the difference between credit monitoring, fraud alerts or credit freezes. Most people think they can protect their social security number by not giving it out. Most people think as long as they are shredding then they are safe. We still have a long way to go.

Robert Siciliano

www.IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity Theft Expert and MyLaptopGPS University Laptop Theft Again Places Unique Data Records in the Hands of Criminals

(BOSTON, Mass. – Dec. 17, 2008 – IDTheftSecurity.com) Earlier this month, sensitive, unique data records again fell prey to criminals, when a laptop computer belonging to Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) went missing to theft. According to widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert Robert Siciliano, had the stolen computer been equipped with laptop tracking and data retrieval technology such as that provided by MyLaptopGPS, OHSU could have sidestepped the mass mailing of warning letters to the nearly one thousand patients whose information is suspected to be on the stolen machine.

"Simple measures to secure laptop computers can spare smart organizations from the headaches they otherwise must endure in the wake of laptop theft," said Siciliano. "A solution that not only tracks the stolen mobile computer, but also allows the rightful owner at once to delete and retrieve her information from the machine is ideal. Few systems combine all this capability."

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 presentations that explore security solutions for businesses and individuals. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and a longtime identity theft speaker, he has discussed data security and consumer protection on CNBC, NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

On Dec. 12, OHSU announced that one of its laptop computers, left in an unattended hotel room, had gone missing to theft earlier that week. The school subsequently mailed warning letters to 890 patients whose information such as birthdates, telephones, medical diagnoses and treatment categories may have been on the stolen machine, reported The Oregonian and The Portland Tribune.

"Laptop theft is readily mitigated with the proper technology," said MyLaptopGPS’ chief technology officer, Dan Yost, who invited readers to visit the MyLaptopGPS blog and discuss the impact of the OHSU laptop theft. "And this technology need not be expensive to be effective. Besides, the alternative—lost data records of untold value and the constant specter of customer retribution, including class action lawsuits—is certainly cost-prohibitive. The clear course of action is to equip laptop computer fleets with technology designed to thwart would-be thieves."

MyLaptopGPS, a laptop security company mentioned in the August 2008 issue of Inc. Magazine, maintains 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. At its website, MyLaptopGPS also keeps a log of these high-profile laptop thefts.

MyLaptopGPS’ anti-laptop theft technology 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.

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.

"Our laptop fleet was certainly worth protecting," said Jim Sullivan, the network, systems and security administrator for FastForms, Inc. "We had 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."

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.

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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 educate 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: Two Laptop Thefts Reported in November Yield Nearly 200,000 Unique Data Records for Thieves

(BOSTON, Mass. – Nov. 20, 2008 – IDTheftSecurity.com) Nearly 200,000 unique data records have potentially fallen into the hands of identity thieves because of two high-profile laptop thefts widely reported this month. Laptop tracking and data recovery technology such as MyLaptopGPS would have mitigated concerns over these thefts and others like them, according to widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert Robert Siciliano.

"Yet again, we’ve seen countless news reports of laptop thefts over the course of less than a month’s time," said Siciliano. "And two of these laptop thefts have yielded the mother lode for identity thieves, who regularly run in laptop stealing circles. Social Security numbers, banking information and more — they’re all on these stolen laptops containing hundreds of thousands of data records, and they’re the building blocks of identity fraud."

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 presentations that explore security solutions for businesses and individuals. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and a longtime identity theft speaker, he has discussed data security and consumer protection on CNBC, NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

Amid reports of numerous laptop thefts in November, two stood out for the number of data records that the stolen machines contained:

  • About 107,400 patients of Baylor Heath Care System, a Dallas-based system of hospitals and outpatient centers, are being notified of a recent laptop theft, reported Computerworld on Nov. 5. Among the data records were thousands that contained Social Security numbers.
  • According to a Nov. 6th report in Medical News Today, a laptop computer belonging to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging and Adult Services Division had gone missing to thieves. On Nov. 5, The News & Observer reported that the stolen mobile computer contained 85,045 confidential data records, with more than half of these including full Social Security numbers.

"Laptop theft marches on," said MyLaptopGPS’ chief technology officer, Dan Yost, who invited readers to visit the MyLaptopGPS blog and discuss the impact of laptop thefts such as those from Baylor Health and the Aging and Adult Services Division. "Every person associated with every one of those now-imperiled hundreds of thousands of data records surely wishes the affected institutions had invested in the inexpensive laptop tracking and retrieval technology that would have rendered these thefts insignificant. Given that MyLaptopGPS is in fact also a laptop theft deterrent, these crimes may never have even happened had these organizations employed laptop tracking technology."

MyLaptopGPS, a laptop security company mentioned in the August 2008 issue of Inc. Magazine, maintains 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. At its website, MyLaptopGPS also keeps a log of these high-profile laptop thefts.

MyLaptopGPS’ anti-laptop theft technology 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.

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.

"Our laptop fleet was certainly worth protecting," said Jim Sullivan, the network, systems and security administrator for FastForms, Inc. "We had 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."

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 educate 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: Laptop Theft the Culprit in Nearly Half of Data Breaches in Australia, Research Reveals

(BOSTON, Mass. – Nov. 7, 2008 – IDTheftSecurity.com) Research has revealed that nearly 80 percent of organizations in Australia experienced some form of data breach in the past five years, with 45 percent of those breaches being traceable to laptop theft. Widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert Robert Siciliano directed leaders of organizations not only in Australia, but worldwide, to MyLaptopGPS, a laptop tracking and data recovery company whose mobile computing security technology can spare them from falling prey to laptop thieves in the first place.

"The choice is an obvious one," said Siciliano. "An organization can await the almost certain, financially prohibitive loss of data as the result of a security breach event, with nearly a one-in-two chance of that data going missing to thieves via a stolen laptop computer. Or that organization can take simple, far more affordable measures to secure its mobile computing equipment from criminals in the first place."

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 presentations that explore security solutions for businesses and individuals. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and a longtime identity theft speaker, he has discussed data security and consumer protection on CNBC, NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

Nearly 80 percent of 156 major Australian organizations had experienced some form of data breach during the five years immediately preceding Symantec’s survey of them earlier this year. Furthermore, 45 percent of these breaches, according to the computer security provider’s Data Loss Prevention Survey, and many had been struck by more than just one incident; just shy of 40 percent of these same 156 organizations, in fact, had experienced between 6 and 20 known data breaches during the same time period. As for the type of information lost, customer records had gone missing at the highest rate (55 percent). Intellectual property followed at 43 percent, and then came credit card details (21 percent) and financial information (20 percent).

"A steady stream of research from disparate sources, as well as the daily news, forces us to assume that the state of data security throughout the industrialized world is poor," said MyLaptopGPS’ chief technology officer, Dan Yost, who invited readers to visit the MyLaptopGPS blog to discuss Symantec Australia’s latest research and its context in relation to additional findings from others. "Never has an argument for the preventative implementation of security technology been stronger; the alternative — to do nothing — almost promises catastrophic financial consequences. MyLaptopGPS provides an affordable bulwark against the disaster of laptop theft."

MyLaptopGPS, a laptop security company mentioned in the August 2008 issue of Inc. Magazine, maintains 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. At its website, MyLaptopGPS also keeps a log of these high-profile laptop thefts.

MyLaptopGPS’ anti-laptop theft technology 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.

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.

"Our laptop fleet was certainly worth protecting," said Jim Sullivan, the network, systems and security administrator for FastForms, Inc. "We had 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."

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.

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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 educate 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: More Evidence Surfaces to Indicate that Organizations Hemorrhage Data at an Alarming Rate Worldwide

(SARASOTA, Fla. – Oct. 27, 2008 – One You Security) New research has revealed that nearly three of every four organizations in Australia have experienced some form of data breach in the past five years. Because data breaches afflict organizations worldwide, said Robert Siciliano, widely televised and quoted identity theft protection expert and chief security analyst for One You Security, LLC, problems with data security will not respond favorably to national solutions. Siciliano therefore encouraged consumers to seek protection of their own. One You Security, he noted, continually searches the Internet for illegal use of its subscribers’ identifying information and does everything it can to render their Social Security numbers useless to thieves who would otherwise use them to commit financial fraud.

"Consumers’ last line of defense is their best line of defense against financial fraudsters," said Siciliano. "Worldwide, data breaches embolden and empower thieves, who count on these events’ frequency numbing and lulling consumers into complacency. But consumers have an option, One You, which keeps a watchful eye on their financial identities for them even as their data goes missing from organization after organization on a nearly daily basis."

One You Security is a service that transforms Social Security numbers into something functionally useless to financial fraudsters. Additionally, One You PowerScan scours more than 150 million websites, 80 million blogs, 90,000 message boards and chat rooms, and billions of spam e-mails for potentially illegal use of its subscribers’ identifying information. These subscribers to One You Security also 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.

Nearly 80 percent of 156 major Australian organizations had experienced some form of data breach during the five years immediately preceding Symantec’s survey of them. Additionally, just shy of 40 percent had experienced between six and 20 known data breaches during the same time period, according to the computer security provider’s Data Loss Prevention Survey. Customer records had gone missing at the highest rate (55 percent), followed by intellectual property (43 percent), credit card details (21 percent) and financial information (20 percent).

"There is no way for consumers to keep up with and protect themselves, by themselves, from the deluge of data breaches affecting organizations worldwide," said Chris Harris, president and CEO of One You Security. "Consumers need help to safeguard their financial data from financial fraudsters — they need a service to do this for them on a continual basis. Fortunately, One You does just that, in effect rendering their Social Security numbers useless to thieves."

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.

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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 educate Fortune 500 companies and their clients on the dangers of identity theft. 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