Printed from BusinessInsurance.com

ID theft task force releases recommendations

Posted On: Apr. 24, 2007 12:00 AM CST

WASHINGTON--Reducing the use of Social Security numbers as a way of identifying consumers in both the private and public sectors is just one key recommendation suggested by President Bush's Identity Theft Task Force, which released its first report this month.

The group, formed in May 2006 to help target issues surrounding the growing crime of identity theft, states that criminal access to Social Security numbers, along with names and addresses, is often the easiest way to steal identities.

In its 120-page report, the task force is recommending that federal agencies reduce the unnecessary use of Social Security numbers and that the government create a comprehensive record on private sector use of Social Security numbers.

Other recommendations include:

  • Establish national standards for private-sector data protection and breach notification requirements. Twenty-six states already have such laws in place.

  • Better educate the private sector on identity theft through regional seminars and an online clearinghouse of educational information.

  • Initiate investigations of data security violations.

    The complete report is available at www.idtheft.gov/reports/StrategicPlan.pdf.