Personal Data Thefts Now in the Billions Were 50 Million in 6 Months of 2005

Personal Data Theft Today

Billions of personal data records are stolen each year according the a PBS story of 5-14-2021.

Often, sets of stolen data are posted on black market websites for sale.

The data might include your social security number, drivers license number, or other personally identifying data that can be used to steal your identity. A stolen identity can be used to borrow money, get credit cards, or acquire goods.

All too often, personal data is stolen but the thefts are not reported quickly, exposing you or others to serious breeches.

Psswords can  be used to take over email accounts that might lead criminals to your back account.

Identity theft is also used to obtain medical treatment, pretending to be you.

The government of North Korea is thought to profit from thefts like these. The government of China is thought to use personal data to compromise US Government employees, contractors, or business people. Compromising these people can lead to the loss of more personal data or the secrets of gevenments and businesses.

The State of Personal Data Theft in 2005

Theft of data is a real and growing issue for individuals in the United States and around the world. This link lists the compromised data sources and the cause, just since the ChoicePoint breach of 15 February 2005. This listing, compiled by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, shows that more that the personal privacy data of more than 50 million US citizens has been compromised in this period of barely more than 6 months. ----- URL: http://www.privacyrights.org/ar/ChronDataBreaches.htm