Recent Security Breaches Highlight the Important Role of Data Security in Privacy Compliance Programs

摘要

Virtually every day the news carries another com-pelling story about a security breach involving sensitive personal and financial data. Public attention is focused on the personal impact of these unfortunate events on consumers, and the legislative branch is beginning to respond. Currently, individual remedies for identity theft and other economic and personal harm are limited, but all indications are that the situation is changing rapidly. In this volatile environment, it is essential that business organizations ensure that all company data is adequately protected in accordance with appropriate security and privacy policies. Choice Point, Inc., has become a focal point for these concerns after the consumer data company experienced a security breach that reportedly affected more than 140,000 people in all 50 states. Given the nature of the kind of data held by Choice Point, this breach led to consumer outrage and widespread concern about the potential of identity theft.