Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
    • Career Intelligence
    • Leader to Leader
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Photo Galleries
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!

New Front Against Identity Theft

By Bryan Ansley
January 1, 2008
Security executives should realize how widespread these techniques have become and how harmful identity theft can be to the business.


Chief security officers and security directors are well aware that primitive methods, such as dumpster diving, intercepted mail, and stolen records are effective tools for identity theft. But what many security officials don’t realize is how widespread these techniques have become.

It turns out ID theft is not, as commonly believed, largely the domain of sophisticated cyber criminals using online tools to hack computer systems. Half the cases don’t involve the Internet or other technologies in the commission of the crime.

That’s according to the first study of U.S. Secret Service identity theft data, recently published by the Center for Identity Management and Information Protection (CIMIP). The study was funded by the Department of Justice.

A WAKE-UP CALL

This insight should be a wake-up call for businesses and the security professionals who protect them. Even the most hardened IT systems remain vulnerable to simple schemes that anyone with a criminal bent can implement.

Fortunately, a new solution, dubbed “identity theft protection,” promises to close the gap. It flags stolen identities early, putting the brakes on fraudsters who are using them. Then it speeds victim’s ID recovery, which includes recovering losses and compensating recovery costs.

Here are the four dimensions that comprise a worthwhile identity theft protection solution.
  1. Total ID Monitoring. Basic credit monitoring finds only 34 percent of identity breaches. Total identity monitoring will flag the other 66 percent by tracking utilities, DMV records, medical records, bank records, and other relevant databases that use employee or customer Social Security numbers. For an extra layer of protection, some service providers also provide a Web site that lets participants self-check their data, and contact the service if they suspect a problem.

  2. Fully-Managed ID Recovery. Identity theft benefit programs will offer one of four approaches to recovery: assisted, limited event, semi-managed, or fully managed. Only fully managed recovery plans provide a professional advisor who, through limited power of attorney, works on victims’ behalf to recover their identity. The advisor, not the employee or customer, will handle the recovery process from beginning to end, including all research, phone calls, letter writing, documentation, and follow-through. Recovery is expedited, while victims’ stress is greatly reduced because they know the process is being professionally handled.

  3. Expense Reimbursement. High, out-of-pocket expenses and time off from work can cost victims up to $16,000 in lost income, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. The best expense reimbursement insurance plans provide ample coverage for damages. But pay close attention to deductibles, reimbursement amounts, and premiums. Compare these factors in a spreadsheet or grid. Many plans offer low coverage at high premiums, or carry outrageous deductibles. Lastly, look for a policy that has few if any exclusions -- ideally, one that covers all financial losses associated with the ID theft and recovery. This includes legal expenses, lost wages, loan application fees, long distance telephone bills, mailing and postage, notarization fees, credit reports, and so on.

  4. Risk Mitigation. Look for a service provider who builds education into their program, and teaches participants how to get the most out of the ID protection program. Educational programs will include one or more features, such as newsletters, Web sites, Webinars, conference calls, and on-site live seminars. Ideally, the vendor will be able to custom-tailor an educational program to meet a company’s needs.
An identity theft prevention program that supports these elements will help even the most secure organization strengthen its defenses, and better protect its people and assets.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Bryan Ansley is president and CEO of Secure Identity Systems. For more information, visit www.secureidentitysystems.com.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security magazine's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024 award...
    Security Leadership and Management
    By: Security Staff
  • cyber brain

    The intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable cybersecurity...
    Cybersecurity
    By: Pam Nigro
  • artificial intelligence AI graphic

    Assessing the pros and cons of AI for cybersecurity

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant implications...
    Cybersecurity
    By: Charles Denyer
Manage My Account
  • Security eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Security audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Security or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Sureview screen
    Sponsored bySureView Systems

    The Evolution of Automation in the Command Center

  • Crisis Response Team
    Sponsored byEverbridge

    Automate or Fall Behind – Crisis Response at the Speed of Risk

  • Perimeter security
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    Why Property Security is the New Competitive Advantage

Popular Stories

Rendered computer with keyboard

16B Login Credentials Exposed in World’s Largest Data Breach

Verizon on phone screen

61M Records Listed for Sale Online, Allegedly Belong to Verizon

Security’s 2025 Women in Security

Security’s 2025 Women in Security

Red spiderweb

From Retail to Insurance, Scattered Spider Changes Targets

blurry multicolored text on black screen

PowerSchool Education Technology Company Announces Data Breach

Events

August 7, 2025

Threats to the Energy Sector: Implications for Corporate and National Security

The energy sector has found itself in the crosshairs of virtually every bad actor on the global stage.

August 27, 2025

Risk Mitigation as a Competitive Edge

In today’s volatile environment, a robust risk management strategy isn’t just a requirement—it’s a foundation for organizational resilience. From cyber threats to climate disruptions, the ability to anticipate, withstand, and adapt to disruption is becoming a hallmark of industry leaders.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products

Related Articles

  • New Newswire Feature Image 3/8/2012

    4 States Building United Front Against Copper Theft

    See More
  • SEC0719-Privacy-Feat-slide1_900px

    New Study Examines the Adoption and Abandonment of Security, Privacy & Identity Theft Protection Practices

    See More
  • Security blog default

    COVID-19 Proves It’s Time for the IRS to Stop Identity Fraud at the Front Door

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • 9780815378068.jpg.jpg

    Biometrics, Crime and Security

  • 9780367259044.jpg

    Understanding Homeland Security: Foundations of Security Policy

  • Risk-Analysis.gif

    Risk Analysis and the Security Survey, 4th Edition

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing