Category «ID Theft»

Increase in Phishing Attacks Spurs Interest in Security Technology

From the Washington Post, New Industry Helping Banks Fight Back – Sleuths Hit Online Identity Thieves With ‘Takedowns,’ ‘Poisoning’. A patch-work of emerging technology applications are available targeted to financial services and e-commerce, seeking to address growing consumer concerns with e-mail and website fraud. This article reviews the challenges posed by phishing and the possibility …

Subjects: Cybercrime, E-Records, ID Theft, Privacy

Privacy Group Advises Against Ordering Free Credit Reports Online

As the citizens of additional states join the list of those eligable for free credit reports, problems associated with this program have been noted. The World Privacy Forum recently issued an extensive report documenting fraudulent activities that are complicating consumer access to the reports. In addition, the group reviews how use of the legitimate sites …

Subjects: Cybercrime, E-Mail, ID Theft, Privacy

Symantec Granted Patent on Technology to Detect Viruses

Press release: “Symantec has been granted U.S. patent number 6,851,057 for a system that enables the detection of complex viruses, worms, and spyware. The technology, “data driven detection of viruses,” is employed throughout Symantec’s portfolio of industry-leading information security solutions at the desktop, server, and gateway for both consumers and enterprises.”

Subjects: Cybercrime, ID Theft, PC Security

New Bill Targets Growing Threats: Phishing and Pharming

Press release today from Sen. Patrick Leahy, co-founder and co-chairman of the Senate Internet Caucus, on the introduction of the Anti-Phishing Act of 2005 (S. 472). The release “includes the Senate Floor speech of Sen. Patrick Leahy introducing his bill to explicitly target Internet “phishing,” and “pharming” with new federal criminal penalties, and a fact …

Subjects: Congress, Cybercrime, ID Theft, Legislation, Privacy

How-To-Guide on Opting-Out Your Personal Data Listing from Websites and Subscription Services

From the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, this February 2005 update to their guide, Online Data Brokers: How Consumers Can Opt Out of Directory Assistance and Non-public Information, includes a chart detailing the specific procedure required by 17 free and fee-based websites and services which aggregate and provide access to a range of personal data. Take some …

Subjects: E-Records, ID Theft, Privacy

Sen. Schumer Pursues Database Vendors on Issue of ID Theft and Sale of Personal Data

What follows is a group of recent, relevant articles and documents associated with the escalating critical evaluation of database aggregation and sale of personal data and associated digital scams and ID theft. From the New York Times, Senator Says Data Service Has Lax Rules for Security From the Washington Post, Databases Called Lax With Personal …

Subjects: Cybercrime, E-Government, ID Theft, Privacy

ID Theft Scam Continues to Generate Controversy

AP reports that Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, prompted by colleagues’ requests, has agreed to hold hearings on ID theft and possible regulation of the sale of personal data collected on American citizens. Also from AP, Tips for protecting your identity From ComputerWorld.com: “ChoicePoint’s error sparks talk of ID theft law – The company …

Subjects: Congress, Cybercrime, ID Theft, Privacy

Call for Hearings on Info Broker Data Scam

Press release: Leahy Calls For Hearings On Information Brokers That Are Emerging As Private Intelligence Agencies Tuesday, February 22, 2005: “The ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, a longtime champion of the public’s privacy rights, says ChoicePoint’s sale of personal and financial records of thousands of Americans to con artists is a tripwire that …

Subjects: Congress, Cybercrime, ID Theft, Privacy