Even though it is early in the year, there is no lack of the number of data breaches being reported. The FAA has notified employees this week that a computer was accessed illegally and personal information was affected. Those who are concerned can view the agency employee website and call the toll free number posted. The breach affects more than 45,000 employees and retirees due to computer hackers. Those affected will receive a letter notifying them of the breach and there is no mention of credit monitoring being offered at this time. Measures are being taken to prevent this from occurring again in the future.

Earlier this week we reported about a breach that affected 30,000. So in just two reports, over 70,000 people are at risk of having their identifying information stolen and used. It is sad to see that happen in any given year, much less within one month.

It is quite clear that with the “convenience” of having everything stored on computers, there is also a higher risk of having such information stolen. This makes it very important for individuals to do what they can to protect themselves from becoming an identity theft victim, if they have not become one already. Just shredding and protecting your personal information at home or not shopping online, does not mean that your information is protected from being stolen. Our information is out there everywhere: when we go to the doctor, when we go to work, when we buy a car, when we enroll our children in school, the list can go on and on. In many cases, it is not possible to find out how your identity was stolen. What is important is finding out when it is potentially being used.

Take time to sign up for an identity theft protection service that can really protect you.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 at 9:48 am and is filed under Articles Concerning Identity Theft. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.