Data Breaches Affect Records of 35.7 Million People in 2008
Businesses, governments and educational institutions reported a nearly 50 percent increase in data breaches last year over 2007. Identity Theft Resource Center of San Diego announced last week that 656 breaches were reported in 2008, up from 446 in the previous year. Nearly 37 percent of the breaches occurred at businesses, schools accounted for roughly 20 percent, and the percentage of breaches attributed to data theft from current and former employees more than doubled from 7 percent to nearly 16 percent.
Crime Rings Use Insiders
“This may be reflective of the economy, or the fact that there are more organized crime rings going after company information using insiders,” said Linda Foley, the center’s co-founder. “As companies become more stringent with protecting against hackers, insider theft is becoming more prevalent.”
Human Error the #1 Culprit
Human error accounted for a dismayingly high number of the breaches, the center found. Lost or stolen laptops and other removable electronic devices and inadvertent posting of personal data online along with other accidental disclosure account for more than 35 percent of reported incidents. Outright theft is next, with computer hacking and software that steals data blamed for nearly 14 percent of breaches.
Many Companies Fail to Report
Foley said annual statistics don’t evenly accurately reflect the scope of the problem, as many businesses fail to report data breaches. 45 states require that consumers be notified of any loss or theft of private records, but there are dozens notification exceptions that vary by state – and nearly 42 percent of organizations that disclose data breaches or loss don’t divulge the number of consumer records that might have been jeopardized.
Just because you don’t receive notification that your data has been compromised doesn’t mean you aren’t vulnerable. Invest in a credit, fraud and ID theft prevention and early warning system for peace of mind!
