Information Security and Identity Theft

It is hard for some of us to fully comprehend just how easy it is for an adept identity thief to take on aspects of our private and financial lives. Many think of identity theft as part of an elaborate criminal scheme, complete with spying efforts. In reality, it is not that difficult as most of us provide potential thieves with everything they need to make their move.

Identity theft occurs when personal details are compromised and this can happen in many different ways.

Inside Jobs

Many identity thieves maintain regular employment and use their jobs as a means of gathering the kind of private data they will later use to commit their crimes. They may steal or copy individual records and financial data.

For instance, have you ever purchased a car and filled out a loan application. If so, cast your mind back to all of the intimate data you had to provide on that application form.

You probably had to provide individual details such as birth date, social security number, address, bank account details, previous addresses, third party references, employment history and the list goes on.

Now, ask yourself a few questions:

• Who has access to all of that info
• Do you know them
• Do you trust them
• What is to stop them from misusing the data

It is a scary proposition, but right now there are probably several filing cabinets in several different places of business that house enough of your detailed data to allow for an easy theft of your personal identity

Is a disgruntled employee looking for a way to make some money. Is a night cleaning crew member interested in improving his or her standard of living at your expense.

You can never be too sure, and yet you are never too safe from identity thieves who work inside jobs.

Other Methods of Identity Theft

One doesn't need to be someone with whom you do business in order to get your information. There are a variety of other ways to steal your data. Consider this incomplete list of ways identity thieves may access your personal data:

• They can steal your mail, which contains everything from new boxes of check blanks to your tax returns.
• They may take a dirtier route and rummage through your garbage in order to find documentation that will aid their criminal endeavors.
• They may use high tech equipment to capture important numeric data when you use an ATM.
• They may use the phone or email to convince you to part with important details about yourself, by posing as someone else.
• They may use a simple change of address card to divert your mail to another location just long enough to gather your private information.

And of course, they can always use the time tested method of stealing your wallet or handbag.