Personal Data Thefts Now in the Billions Were 50 Million in 6 Months of 2005 (Updated 2021)

Billions of personal data records are stolen each year, according to the PBS story of 5-14-2021. (Link below)

stolen data sets are often posted on black market websites for sale.

The data might include your social security number, driver's 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.

Personal data is often stolen, but the thefts are not reported quickly, exposing you or others to serious breaches.

Psswords can  be used to take over email accounts that might lead criminals to your bank 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 governments and businesses.

The State of Personal Data Theft in 2005

Data theft is a real and growing issue for individuals in the United States and worldwide. This link lists the compromised data sources and the cause since the ChoicePoint breach of 15 February 2005. This listing, compiled by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, shows that more than 50 million US citizens' personal privacy data have been compromised in barely more than six months.

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URL: http://www.privacyrights.org/ar/ChronDataBreaches.htm

Personal Data Theft Today

PBS story of 5-14-2021.