http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/c_asc/C22 en mbush@affiniongroup.com Copyright 2012 2012-01-24T14:29:04-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/us_survey_finds_half_of_tax_payers_at_risk_of_identity_theft_during_taxes/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/us_survey_finds_half_of_tax_payers_at_risk_of_identity_theft_during_taxes/#When:16:20:00Z FTC Reports Tax & Wage Related Identity Theft Is the Most Prevalent Complaint in 2010 Stamford, Conn., March 31, 2011 PrivacyGuard, a leading identity theft and credit management product of the Affinion Security Center, announced today the results of its annual tax and identity theft survey.  Among the provocative findings, the survey revealed that while respondents take steps to protect themselves against identity theft and remain concerned about the possibility of a data breach when sharing their personal information, they remain uneducated about the prevalence and methods of tax-related identity theft.  This is a particularly alarming result because tax or wage-related fraud was the most common type of identity theft complaint in the recently released Federal Trade Commission 2010 Consumer Complaint Report. Some of the key findings of the PrivacyGuard survey include: Consumers Have Varying Degrees of Trust With Institutions Over Data Security Almost two thirds of respondents (64%) reported that they worry that the organization they are sharing their personal information with could suffer a data breach. Retailers were chosen overwhelmingly (45%) as the least trustworthy.  Surprisingly, when a data breach occurs, respondents are more likely (44%) to blame the institution that was breached than the thieves that stole the data (35%). Also, roughly a third of consumers admit to using the same login and password for each site they transact with, making a breach that much more damaging. Consumers Trust Tax Preparers While many respondents lacked faith in retailers or other institutions to guard their personal information, the survey found a big increase in the level of trust that tax payers have in their tax preparer.  Despite cases of tax preparer identity theft in several states last year, only 30% reported this year that they are concerned when they choose a preparer about the possibility of becoming a victim of identity theft, while 11% reported being very concerned and another 30% are not at all concerned.  Last year half of the survey respondents said they were somewhat or very concerned. Consumers Vulnerable to Phising and Vishing Scams Respondents have grown increasingly ignorant about the methods the IRS uses to initiate contact with tax payers, with 50% selecting the wrong option:  37% believe the IRS can contact them via email, mail or phone and 13% believe that the IRS will contact them through email. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers through email.  Last year the survey results showed a similar trend, with 19 percent admitting that they did not know how the IRS initiates contact and 33% selecting the email, mail or phone option. “We believe that Americans are generally very educated as to the consequences of identity theft and are taking steps to protect themselves,” said Christine El Eris, Director of PrivacyGuard.  “However, taxpayers need to be aware of the unique risks they face during tax season and remain on guard during this time.” PrivacyGuard would like to help educate consumers with the following tips on how to prevent identity theft during tax season: When Preparing Your Return 1. Be Aware of Suspicious Emails and Phone Calls Regarding Your Tax Refund or Tax Filing - Check the IRS website for tips on how to spot scammers and thieves posing as the IRS and a list of known phishes. 2. Be Diligent When Choosing Your Tax Preparers - Ensure that you are working with a credible firm and be extra cautious about new or seasonal offices. Check the IRS website for more tips on how to choose a tax preparer. 3. Secure your computer - If you file taxes electronically, be sure to install updated firewalls and anti-spyware protection to help keep your personal data out of the hands of thieves. 4. Create a unique login and password if you are using an online service to prepare or file your return. During and After Filing 1. Mail securely - If you file via mail, be sure to mail your return directly from the post office - do not leave your tax return in your unlocked mailbox or at the curb for pickup by your local mail carrier.  Your personal information will be vulnerable until it is retrieved by the postal carrier.  It is wise to send tax information by first class mail with a tracking number. 2. Safeguard Sensitive Information in Home and Outside - Frequently the greatest threat to personal information comes from service providers or in-home workers or acquaintances.  Keep paperwork in a safe location. When carrying this information out of the house, be sure to keep it on you, or if you must leave it in the car, make sure it is not visible. 3. Micro-Shred Your Documents - Cross-cut shredders just don’t “cut” it these days. Use a micro-cut shredder for maximum security. The shred size on micro-cut machines is much smaller - documents are literally turned into dust, offering the highest level of security. And since even a seven year- old receipt can be used by a thief, shredding is still one of the simplest ways to prevent identity theft. Consider Identity Theft Protection Services For extra identity protection, taxpayers should consider enrolling in an identity theft protection program such as PrivacyGuard, which offers benefits such as credit monitoring services, credit alerts and identity theft insurance. About PrivacyGuard PrivacyGuard is a comprehensive credit reporting, credit monitoring and identity theft protection service that helps you maintain control over your most critical information. Combining state-of-the-art credit protection and reporting with superior customer service, PrivacyGuard offers the comprehensive tools and support needed to help secure your life. A product of the Affinion Security Center, PrivacyGuard is endorsed by top identity theft expert, noted author and government consultant Frank Abagnale. For more information on PrivacyGuard and its industry-leading services, please visit privacyguard.com. Affinion Security Center, Privacy Guard 2011-03-31T16:20:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/asc_and_icr_partner_to_provide_comprehensive_data_breach_response_services/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/asc_and_icr_partner_to_provide_comprehensive_data_breach_response_services/#When:09:00:00Z ICR to Provide Public Relations Counsel and Support for Companies Affected by Data Breach STAMFORD, Conn., March 9, 2010 -Affinion Security Center (ASC) announced today that its BreachShield Division, a leading provider of data breach response and identity theft protection services, has partnered with ICR, an international corporate communications and investor relations firm with a practice devoted to helping companies prepare for and manage data breach incidents.  The partnership between ASC and ICR will provide companies who are preparing for or responding to a data breach with BreachShield’s comprehensive logistics, disclosure, identity theft protection and customer care services, as well as ICR’s strategic counsel and support in managing communication with all stakeholders, including employees, customers, partners, investors and the media. The partnership between ASC and ICR comes at a critical time, as the number of breaches has risen sharply in recent years. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, there were 662 data breaches reported in 2010, up more than 25% over the number of incidents in 2009. Data breaches often leak personal and financial data from customers, employees and others onto the internet, leaving individuals at risk for fraud and identity theft. Because breaches directly affect innocent individuals who have trusted a company with their information, companies suffering a breach are often faced with compliance issues, legal actions and public scrutiny during and after the breach, potentially damaging their brand and reputation.  The partnership between ASC and ICR brings together an experienced team of breach response and public relations professionals to quickly and appropriately manage a breach, minimizing impact to the victims and the business. “Over the past few years BreachShield has helped national and multi-national enterprises, including those in the retail, financial, healthcare and insurance industries effectively respond to data breaches, but while our solution fully addresses the compliance and customer service needs of our clients, we have found that many need further advice and counsel to remediate the perceptional repercussions of a breach,” said Michael Morelli, Director of Affinion Security Center’s BreachShield Division. “Our clients recognize the damage a breach can have on their reputation and business, so we are pleased to formalize a partnership with ICR to help effectively manage these public relations issues.” A unique benefit to the BreachShield and ICR partnership is that it will allow client companies access to comprehensive breach and communications services while they are still in the planning phase, in advance of a potential breach.  Formalizing an integrated data breach plan that addresses how a company will respond to the affected parties, as well as to partners, investors and the media is one of the ways a company can quickly and proactively protect its brand against the negative effects of a breach. “We are pleased to partner with ASC’s BreachShield Divisionto help clients communicate effectively with their stakeholders following a potential breach,” said Michael Fox, president of ICR’s Corporate Communications practice.  “Failure to respond properly, even if it is only a ‘perceived failure,’ could cause significant damage to reputation and equity value.  As breaches continue to rise at an alarming rate, we believe it is imperative for companies to have a comprehensive communications plan in place.” Members from both firms will be available at the IAPP Global Privacy Summit in Washington DC, from March 9 through March 11. About ICR ICR is a leading financial communications firm specializing in investor relations, corporate communications, and crisis management. Established in 1998, ICR represents more than 270 companies and has significant industry expertise and relationships in retail, apparel, footwear, gaming, lodging, transportation, restaurants, software, IT infrastructure, telco, energy, aerospace & defense, real estate and REITs, biopharmaceuticals, medical technology and pharmaceutical services, and automotive parts & services. ICR maintains offices in Norwalk, Conn., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and Beijing China and has been one of the industry’s fastest growing consultancies over the past decade. http://www.icrinc.com Affinion Security Center 2011-03-09T09:00:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_launches_medical_identity_theft/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_launches_medical_identity_theft/#When:12:00:00Z BreachShield Helps Companies Prevent, Detect and Resolve Identity Theft resulting from Data Breaches Stamford, Conn., April 19, 2010 - Affinion Security Center, a leading provider of identity theft protection services, today announced enhancements to its BreachShield service, aimed at preventing, detecting and resolving Identity Theft resulting from data breaches for companies at risk and the consumers who trust those organizations.  The new enhancements are designed for all types of organizations that experience a breach and include benefits that help customers at risk for medical identity theft. According to the Identity Theft Research Center (ITRC), more than 222 million personal records were exposed as the result of a breach in 2009 alone. Breaches can occur in many ways, from hacking and insider theft through accidental exposure of records. One type of ID theft documented by the ITRC is medical identity theft, which can have grave consequences.  According to the ITRC, roughly a third of victims of medical ID theft responding to the survey had someone else’s medical information or medical history on their medical record, increasing the possibility of being treated incorrectly because of incorrect medical records.  Other victims were billed for services provided to an imposter or were denied health or life insurance for unexplained reasons. “As we saw in 2009, breaches can come in all sizes, from 30 records to 30 million, and are becoming more complex in nature,” remarked Tom Rusin, CEO of Affinion Security Center. “By leveraging our 35 years experience in the ID theft sector and the scale of our company, BreachShield is able to offer a true end-to-end solution to companies, no matter where they might fall in that spectrum.” “Additionally, we anticipate that scrutiny of the medical field, such as increased regulations like HIPAA and the recently passed HITECH act, will increase the amount of breaches that are disclosed by healthcare institutions,” continued Rusin. “As a result, medical institutions will need a trusted partner to take care of their customers in the instance of a data breach.” To combat the problem, the newly enhanced BreachShield includes a wide array of new benefits for companies to offer their consumers in the event of a breach of their personal data, including medical information. The new benefits include the following:  Internet Surveillance - Real-time, web-crawling technology monitors underground chat rooms, websites and blogs where thieves trade and sell stolen Social Security numbers and credit/debit card data. Should any of the monitored information be found on these web portals, members are automatically sent an email alert, enabling them to act quickly and re-secure their compromised information. DataSweep - Comprehensively monitors up to three of each of physical addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers on Internet directories - prime sources of data for spammers and thieves. Every two weeks, DataSweep checks online directories and search engines and lets members know if their monitored personal information is available for public viewing. They will know exactly which sites are displaying their information, and are provided with advice on how to request removal of their information from a particular website when applicable. Fraud Assist Toolbox - A convenient, online tool that helps streamline the identity theft recovery process. Members simply select the type of problem they are facing, and the guide will provide step-by-step instructions for resolving the issue. Members can choose to set fraud alerts, stop pre-approved credit offers, and stop unwanted telemarketing calls. Credit Card Registration - Members can store information from credit, bank, and department store and other retail cards in a single, secure location.  Should these items become lost or stolen, members can cancel these cards and request replacement with one toll-free call. Up to $1,000,000 in Identity Theft Insurance Protection - Insurance includes coverage for unauthorized fund transfers, legal expenses, and the costs of re-filing applications for credit and notarizing affidavits in each case, resulting from the theft of a member’s identity. Also new to BreachShield is a suite of benefits aimed at medical ID theft: Protected Health Benefit Suite: Medical Information Bureau (MIB) Records Request and Reimbursement - Members can get a copy of their medical records from the Medical Information Bureau (should a record exist), and are reimbursed for any costs associated with obtaining a copy. Request Forms - members are provided with templates to request their medical records from insurance companies and health care providers. Medical Identity Theft Protection Tips - Members are provided with helpful tips to help detect medical identity theft. Additionally, BreachShield offers companies, including medical institutions, breach preparation, an incident response action plan, assistance with notification letter printing and mailing, and call center support . In many cases, these services have saved companies more than $1 million in remediating a breach. For more information about Affinion Security Center solutions, including BreachShield, please visit http://www.affinionsecuritycenter.com Affinion Security Center 2010-04-19T12:00:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/asc_survey_finds_consumers_are_worried_about_tax_and_employment_id_theft/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/asc_survey_finds_consumers_are_worried_about_tax_and_employment_id_theft/#When:12:10:00Z Tax or Wage Related Fraud Increased in 2009 for seventh year in a row: FTC Norwalk, Conn., March 1, 2010 Affinion Security Center, a leading provider of identity theft protection, detection and resolution services, announced today the results of its annual tax and employment identity theft survey. The survey of 1,000 adults revealed that while consumer concern of tax and employment related identity theft is growing, an overall lack of education and awareness leaves a large percentage of the population at a risk for these growing trends in identity theft. Taxpayers Remain Vulnerable to Phising and Vishing Tax Scams and Unscrupulous Tax Preparers Notwithstanding numerous news reports and widespread public outreach efforts by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to educate the general public on their consumer communication tactics, the majority of taxpayers remain unaware of the methods through which the IRS will contact them regarding their tax filings. When asked, 19 percent of respondents admitted they did not know the ways the IRS contacts taxpayers, while an additional 33 percent responded incorrectly, stating they expected to be contacted by email, phone or mail. Only 48 percent of respondents knew that the primary way the IRS contacts consumers about a tax filing is through the mail, an increase of only 1 percent from last year’s survey. Consumers’ lack of awareness of IRS communication practices leaves them vulnerable to phishing or vishing (voice phishing using the telephone) scams where thieves pose as IRS agents to gain personal information such as social security or bank account numbers. The IRS has developed a campaign to help consumers identify and report these threats. In the annual Fraud and Identity Theft Complaint report the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that tax or wage related complaints increased to 12.7 percent of all complaints in 2009, the seventh year in a row that this type of fraud has increased. Affinion’s survey also shows that a growing number of respondents who rely on the services of a tax preparer were concerned about the possibility of becoming victims of identity theft when choosing their preparer. Half of the respondents in 2010 stated that they were somewhat or very concerned, compared to 41 percent in 2009. “This data confirms that the public awareness of the threat to valuable personal information is growing, however we also have to recognize and address the fact that consumers are slow to the next step - properly educating themselves and taking precautions to avoid becoming a victim,” said Tom Rusin, president of Affinion Security Center. “Our goal in reporting the results of the survey is to help consumers get a full view of the issue, realize that there is more they should do, and help them address that with tips and services that help safeguard and monitor their personal information.” Employment-Related Identity Theft Though a separate threat from tax identity theft, it is often around tax filing season when employment-related identity theft is discovered. This crime most often occurs when someone is fraudulently working under another’s social security number to obtain employment and/or to evade taxation.  The Affinion Security Center survey found that a growing number of respondents, 69 percent versus 62 percent in the 2009 survey, were at least somewhat concerned that they could become victims of employment-related identity theft. Affinion Security Center would like to help educate consumers with the following tips on how to prevent identity theft during tax season: When Preparing Your Return 1. Be Aware of Suspicious Emails and Phone Calls Regarding Your Tax Refund, Tax Filing or Any Stimulus Checks - Check the IRS website for tips on how to spot scammers and thieves posing as the IRS and a list of known phishes. 2. Be Diligent When Choosing Your Tax Preparers - Ensure that you are working with a credible firm and be extra cautious about new or seasonal offices. Check the IRS website for more tips on how to choose a tax preparer. 3. Secure your computer - Many people file taxes electronically. If you are one of those, be sure to install updated firewalls and anti-spyware protection to help keep your personal data out of the hands of thieves. During and After Filing 1. Mail securely - If you file via mail, be sure to mail your return directly from the post office - do not leave your tax return in your unlocked mailbox or at the curb for pickup by your local mail carrier.  Your personal information will be vulnerable until it is retrieved by the postal carrier.  It is wise to send tax information by first class mail with a tracking number. 2. Safeguard Sensitive Information in Home and Outside - Frequently the greatest threat to personal information comes from service providers or in-home workers or acquaintances.  Keep paperwork in a safe location. When carrying this information out of the house, be sure to keep it on you or make sure if you leave it in the car, it is not visible. 3. Micro-Shred Your Documents - Cross-cut shredders just don’t “cut” it these days. Use a micro-cut shredder for maximum security. The shred size on micro-cut machines is much smaller - documents are literally turned into dust, offering the highest level of security. And since even a seven year- old receipt can be used by a thief, shredding is still one of the simplest ways to prevent identity theft. Consider Identity Theft Protection Services For extra identity protection, taxpayers should consider enrolling in an identity theft protection program such as PrivacyGuard. The survey of 1,048 adults was conducted on behalf of Affinion Security Center by Greenfield Online, Inc. in January 2010. For more information about Affinion Security Center solutions, please visit http://www.affinionsecuritycenter.com To follow Affinion Security Center on Twitter, please visit: http://www.twitter.com/ASC_info About Affinion Security Center Affinion Security Center, a division of Norwalk, Connecticut-based Affinion Group, is a global leader in providing identity protection and data security solutions to corporations and individuals. For over 35 years Affinion Security Center has been powering many of the world’s leading personal data protection and breach resolution solutions offered by local, national and multi-national enterprises in the financial, retail and travel industries. The company currently protects over 10 million subscribers with services including IdentitySecure, PrivacyGuard, PC SafetyPlus and Hotline, and serves enterprise and government agencies with the data breach preparation and response tool, BreachShield. Affinion Security Center is part of the steering committee of the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP) and is a member of the Staples Security Council. For more information please visit http://www.affinionsecuritycenter.com Affinion Security Center 2010-03-01T12:10:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_to_host_webcast_panel_of_data_breach_experts/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_to_host_webcast_panel_of_data_breach_experts/#When:11:00:01Z Session to examine breach response best practices and the cost to corporations of being unprepared NORWALK, Conn., May 14, 2009 - Affinion Security Center, a leading provider of identity theft protection and data breach resolution services, today announced that it will co-host a thought leadership panel with CSO magazine focused on the legal, public relations and privacy issues associated with data breaches.  This live Webcast on Thursday, May 28th, 2009, 2:00 pm EDT will bring together legal, privacy and public relations experts to discuss the devastating effects of data breaches on corporations, including loss of business, reputational damage and legal issues. The panel will also focus on how companies can better prepare for a breach incident in order to mitigate damages. To register for the complimentary webcast, visit www.csoonline.com/webinar/pressrelease The panel will address: How a data breach can quickly impact a business and its customers, partners, employees and prospects Best practices for managing a data breach How a preemptive data breach response plan can mitigate reputational damage, legal ramifications and loss of business Recommendations, tips, lessons-learned, and examples of the key elements that constitute an effective data breach plan Bob Bragdon, Publisher of CSO magazine will moderate the panel of experts, composed of the following industry leaders: Chris Pierson, Senior Vice President and Chief Privacy Officer, Citizens Financial Group, is responsible for developing and implementing the company`s privacy compliance program across all business lines, including Citizens and Charter One banks. Lisa Sotto, Partner, Hunton & Williams LLP, heads the firm`s Privacy and Information Management Practice. Ms. Sotto assists clients in identifying and managing risks associated with privacy and information security issues. Michael Fox, Senior Managing Director of ICR, Inc, a leading financial communications consulting firm, provides strategic financial communications services to a broad spectrum of clients. His work has included crisis communications counsel for both retail and payment processors victimized in recent high-profile data breaches. Tom Rusin, President & Chief Executive Officer, Affinion Security Center leads all aspects of the group`s identity protection services, a market that Affinion has been active in for over 35 years. ASC`s capabilities encompass a broad range of protection, monitoring, resolution and support services, for corporations and individuals. To register for the webinar, please visit:  www.csoonline.com/webinar/pressrelease For more information please visit www.affinionsecuritycenter.com Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/asc_info About BreachShield In 2007, Affinion Security Center launched BreachShield, a full service, rapid response data security breach response and delivery program. National and multi-national enterprises, including those in the financial, retail and travel industries, partnered with BreachShield data breach solutions. Since 2007, BreachShield services have been offered to over five million individuals whose identities have been compromised by a data breach. For more information, please visit www.breachshield.com. For help responding to an incident, please call our 24/7 Hotline at 1-800-350-7209. About Affinion Security Center Affinion Security Center, a division of Norwalk, Connecticut-based Affinion Group, is a global leader in providing identity protection and data security solutions to corporations and individuals. For over 35 years Affinion Security Center has been powering many of the world`s leading personal data protection and breach resolution solutions offered by local, national and multi-national enterprises in the financial, retail and travel industries. The company currently protects over 7 million subscribers with services including IdentitySecure, PrivacyGuard, PC SafetyPlus and Hotline, and serves enterprise and government agencies with the data breach preparation and response tool, BreachShield. Affinion Security Center is part of the steering committee of the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP). Affinion Security Center, BreachShield 2009-05-14T11:00:01-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_survey_finds_identity_theft_impacts_women_more_tha/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_survey_finds_identity_theft_impacts_women_more_tha/#When:13:00:00Z Women more likely to be victims, lose more money and take longer to restore their identity NORWALK, Conn., May 11, 2009 - Women are hit much harder by identity theft than men, according to a survey on the impact of identity theft conducted by Affinion Security Center, a leading provider of identity theft protection, detection and resolution services. The national survey polled 808 households, half of whom had been victims of identity theft and half of whom had not. The findings coincide with a recent study from Javelin Research, which found that overall women are 26 percent more likely to experience identity theft than men. The Affinion Security Center survey also offers a new perspective on a deep divide between how women and men are affected by the crime, and how concerned women are about becoming victims as well as how they respond to being defrauded. The study found that women suffer more from identity theft than men, and when victimized, lose more money and take more time to restore their identities. They also change their behavior more dramatically following the theft. Women Hit Harder When Victimized This study found that almost twice as many female victims of identity theft surveyed by Affinion experienced unreimbursed losses of $1,000 or more due to identity theft, when compared to male victims of the crime.  Women were also less likely than men to report no unreimbursed losses.  It also took women longer than men to restore their identities. "While identity theft remains an equal-opportunity crime that affects all types of people, particularly given the indiscriminate nature of data breaches, we were surprised and saddened to learn that the women in our survey reported that they were impacted more than men," Tom Rusin, president of Affinion Security Center. "We are hoping to create an awareness among women so that they can take steps to reduce their risk as well as have an action plan in place should they become victims." "Identity theft is a horrible experience, and I really wish I had known what signs to look for and had an identity theft protection service in place before someone stole my identity," said Annie Kim, a New York City resident who was targeted by an identity thief in 2006." "It took me more than a year to restore my identity --every financial account I had in my name was affected, and the burden was all on me to fix the problem.  I could have saved a lot of time and aggravation if I had known then what I know now."   Women More Concerned about Becoming a Victim than Men Women are also more concerned about identity theft than men.  Both women who have been victims of ID theft, as well those who have not, described themselves as being "most concerned" about having their identity stolen when compared to other types of theft such as a home burglary or having their car stolen .  Approximately 80 percent of all of the women surveyed said that they were "most concerned" with identity theft, whereas only 71 percent of male victims and 59 percent of non-victim males chose this option. Women Change Behavior More Dramatically After ID Theft Not only are women more likely to be victimized, spend more time restoring their identity and lose more money than men, but they are more likely to change their behavior following their experience.  19 percent of women reported shopping online less often after an incident of identity theft, compared to 13 percent of men. 7 percent of women said they refused to shop online at all following the theft, while four times as many women as men who have experienced identity theft keep all of their personal information locked in a safe. The survey was conducted on behalf of Affinion Security Center by Prince Market Research. For more information about Affinion Security Center, please visit http://www.affinionsecuritycenter.com. You can also follow the latest Affinion Security Center news on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/asc_info. Download full release including survey results (pdf) About Affinion Security Center Affinion Security Center, a division of Norwalk, Connecticut-based Affinion Group, is a global leader in providing identity protection and data security solutions to corporations and individuals. For over 35 years Affinion Security Center has been powering many of the world’s leading personal data protection and breach resolution solutions offered by local, national and multi-national enterprises in the financial, retail and travel industries. The company currently protects over 7 million subscribers with services including IdentitySecure, PrivacyGuard, PC SafetyPlus and Hotline, and serves enterprise and government agencies with the data breach preparation and response tool, BreachShield. Affinion Security Center is part of the steering committee of the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP) and is a member of the Staples Security Council. For more information please visit www.affinionsecuritycenter.com. Affinion Security Center 2009-05-11T13:00:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_publishes_data_breach_response_guide/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_publishes_data_breach_response_guide/#When:11:00:00Z Manual Contains Best Practices, Case Studies and Guidance for Mitigating Financial and Reputational Damage Resulting from a Data Breach NORWALK, Conn., April 22, 2009 - As incidents of corporate data breaches continue to rise, the rules and regulations requiring compliance for breach notification and response from financial institutions, creditors and many other businesses have strengthened. On May 1, 2009 companies that extend lines of credit to consumers will need to comply with another regulation, the Federal Trade Commission’s Red Flags Rules, which calls for institutions to develop and implement written plans that document how each would prevent, detect and respond to the threat of identity theft. To help companies adhere with the new law and mitigate the financial and reputational damage from any possible data breach, Affinion Security Center, a leading provider of identity theft protection and breach resolution services, today published the Data Breach Response Guide. The Data Breach Response Guide provides companies with best practices, case studies and guidance for preparing written plans to address the threat of identity theft and data breaches, thereby addressing part of the requirements under the Red Flags Rules. The guide is available for download at www.affinionsecuritycenter.com. The Affinion Security Center developed the guide based on the company’s extensive experience providing data breach response programs through its BreachShield solution.  BreachShield is a comprehensive data breach response and delivery program capable of providing end to end support services, including list management, drafting of notification letters, printing and mailing - all backed by industry-leading customer service support and multi-channel enrollment options.  BreachShield has recently strengthened its offerings by adding CardCopsSM web monitoring, a leading service that monitors underground online chat rooms for stolen data, as well as Automated Fraud Alerts to its existing credit monitoring configurations. Since 2007, BreachShield’s rapid response solutions have been offered to more than five million consumers by companies that have suffered a breach. “The Data Breach Response Guide contains valuable information on how to respond to a breach, alert customers, choose resolution services and defend a company financially and from reputational damage due to the devastating effects of data loss,” said Tim Lukens, Senior Vice President of Corporate Solutions at Affinion Security Center.  “The guide comes to market at a critical time, as law enforcement develops stricter laws for companies that handle consumer data and harsher penalties for corporations that mismanage data breaches.” Although data breaches are increasingly common, many companies fail to prepare for an incident and as a result often do not meet consumers’ needs following a data breach. In 2008, the number of breaches reported grew 47% over 2007, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, and is expected to grow in 2009 absent an increasing focus by companies on data protection.  Consumers are likely to sever relationships with banks, healthcare companies and large retailers that they regularly do business with because of a data breach, according to a study by the Ponemon Institute conducted in February 2009. The study found that more than 68 percent of the $6.65 million average cost of a data breach, results from lost business, including customer termination. The Data Breach Response Guide aims to help companies create an Incident Response Plan before the occurrence of a breach, so that companies can take action more quickly and protect its business relationships after an incident. Rapid response remains one of the most crucial factors to controlling the financial repercussions of a data breach and influencing customer perceptions of how safely a company is handling their financial data. About BreachShield In 2007, Affinion Security Center launched BreachShield, a full service, rapid response data security breach response and delivery program. National and multi-national enterprises, including those in the financial, retail and travel industries, partnered with BreachShield data breach solutions. Since 2007, BreachShield services have been offered to over five million individuals whose identities have been compromised by a data breach. For more information, please visit www.breachshield.com. For help responding to an incident, please call our 24/7 Hotline at 1-800-350-7209. About Affinion Security Center Affinion Security Center, a division of Norwalk, Connecticut-based Affinion Group, is a global leader in providing identity protection and data security solutions to corporations and individuals. For over 35 years Affinion Security Center has been powering many of the world’s leading personal data protection and breach resolution solutions offered by local, national and multi-national enterprises in the financial, retail and travel industries. The company currently protects over 7 million subscribers with services including IdentitySecure, PrivacyGuard, PC SafetyPlus and Hotline, and serves enterprise and government agencies with the data breach preparation and response tool, BreachShield. Affinion Security Center is part of the steering committee of the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP) and is a member of the Staples Security Council. For more information please visit www.affinionsecuritycenter.com. Affinion Security Center, BreachShield 2009-04-22T11:00:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_re45launches_website/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_re45launches_website/#When:15:09:00Z New Site Offers Provides Consumers with Resources on Identity Theft NORWALK, Conn., April 3, 2009 - Affinion Security Center, a leading provider of identity theft protection, detection and resolution services, announced today the re-launch of the company`s website, including a new web resource aimed at providing consumers with education about the threats posed by identity theft, data breach events and identity fraud. The revamped site includes: Tips to help consumers avoid having their identities stolen A subscription center with e-mail notification tools to keep subscribers aware of security breaches and trends in identity theft Dynamic RSS feeds aggregating news surrounding identity theft and fraud An archive of audio and video resources available to the public The new site can be found at http://www.affinionsecuritycenter.com. About Affinion Security Center Affinion Security Center, a division of Norwalk, Connecticut-based Affinion Group, is a global leader in providing identity protection and data security solutions to corporations and individuals. For over 35 years Affinion Security Center has been powering many of the world`s leading personal data protection and breach resolution solutions offered by local, national and multi-national enterprises in the financial, retail and travel industries. The company currently protects over 7 million subscribers with services including IdentitySecure, PrivacyGuard, PC SafetyPlus and Hotline, and serves enterprise and government agencies with the data breach preparation and response tool, BreachShield. Affinion Security Center is part of the steering committee of the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP) and is a member of the Staples Security Council. For more information please visit www.affinionsecuritycenter.com. Affinion Security Center 2009-04-03T15:09:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_survey_finds_taxpayers_are_vulnerable_to_tax_job_r/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_security_center_survey_finds_taxpayers_are_vulnerable_to_tax_job_r/#When:16:22:00Z Phishing, Vishing and Unscrupulous Tax Preparers Pose a Threat NORWALK, Conn., Mar. 23, 2009 - Tax time will unfortunately bring more than a refund check to many taxpayers this year.  Affinion Security Center, a leading provider of identity theft protection, detection and resolution services, recently conducted a survey of 1,000 adults to determine the level of awareness and concern that exists for tax- and employment-related identity theft. Overall, the findings revealed that taxpayers have a lack of awareness and only moderate levels of concern, leaving them vulnerable and unprotected against these growing threats. Taxpayers Vulnerable to Phising and Vishing Tax Scams and Unscrupulous Tax Preparers When asked how the IRS contacts taxpayers regarding their tax returns, 53 percent did not respond correctly. 23 percent of those responded that they did not know the ways the IRS contacts taxpayers regarding their tax returns, while 22 percent thought that the IRS could call or email them. Additionally three percent thought the IRS could contact them on the telephone and five percent would not be surprised to receive an email from the IRS. Because so many respondents did not know that the IRS does not send unsolicited emails or make unsolicited phone calls regarding refunds or filings, they are vulnerable to phishing or vishing (voice phishing using the telephone) scams where thieves pose as IRS agents to gain personal information such as social security or bank account numbers. The IRS warned taxpayers about several of these scams in 2008. In fact, the recently released annual Fraud and Identity Theft Compliant data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) showed an astounding 85 percent increase over 2007 in complaints related to fraudulent tax refund filings in 2008. The survey also showed that 1/3 of the respondents who rely on the services of a tax preparer were not at all concerned about the possibility of becoming victims of identity theft when choosing their preparer. An additional 23 percent were somewhat concerned and only 18 percent were very concerned. “While identity theft is a cause for concern all year long, tax season is a particularly dangerous time,” said Tom Rusin, president of Affinion Security Center. “Our goal with conducting this survey was to uncover potential vulnerabilities and to help educate people on the dangers that exist and the steps that they can take to try to avoid falling victim to identity thieves and fraudsters.” Employment-Related Identity Theft Another type of identity theft that often comes to light during tax season is employment-related identity theft which can include someone stealing another person’s social security number in order to obtain employment. The Affinion Security Center survey found that while the majority of those surveyed were at least somewhat concerned, almost 40 percent were not at all concerned that they could become victims of employment-related identity theft. This is a troublesome discovery, as the recent FTC data revealed a 30 percent increase in complaints of employment-related fraud in 2008. The Affinion Security Center would like to help educate consumers and provide the following tips on how to Prevent Identity Theft During Tax Season: When Preparing Your Return Be Aware of Suspicious Emails and Phone Calls Regarding Your Tax Refund, Tax Filing or Any Stimulus Checks – Check the IRS website for tips on how to spot scammers and thieves posing as the IRS and a list of known phishes. Be Diligent When Choosing Your Tax Preparers – Ensure that you are working with a credible firm and be extra cautious about new or seasonal offices. Check the IRS website for more tips on how to choose a tax preparer. Secure your computer – Many people file taxes electronically. If you are one of those, be sure to install updated firewalls and anti-spyware protection to help keep your personal data out of the hands of thieves. During and After Filing Mail securely – If you file via mail, be sure to mail your return directly from the post office – do not leave your tax return in your unlocked mailbox or at the curb for pickup by your local mail carrier. Your personal information will be vulnerable until it is retrieved by the postal carrier. Safeguard Sensitive Information in Home and Outside – Frequently the greatest threat to personal information comes from service providers or in-home workers or acquaintances. Keep paperwork in a safe location. When carrying this information out of the house, be sure to keep it on you or make sure if you leave it in the car, it is not visible. Micro-Shred Your Documents – Cross-cut shredders just don’t “cut” it these days. Use a micro-cut shredder for maximum security. The shred size on micro-cut machines is much smaller – documents are literally turned into dust, offering the highest level of security. And since even a seven year- old receipt can be used by a thief, shredding is still one of the simplest ways to prevent identity theft. Consider Identity Theft Protection Services For extra identity protection, taxpayers should consider enrolling in an identity theft protection program such as IdentitySecure. The survey of 1,091 adults was conducted on behalf of Affinion Security Center by Greenfield Online, Inc. in February 2009. About Affinion Security Center Affinion Security Center, a division of Norwalk, Connecticut-based Affinion Group, is a global leader in providing identity protection and data security solutions to corporations and individuals. For over 35 years Affinion Security Center has been powering many of the world’s leading personal data protection and breach resolution solutions offered by local, national and multi-national enterprises in the financial, retail and travel industries. The company currently protects over 7 million subscribers with services including IdentitySecure, PrivacyGuard, PC SafetyPlus and Hotline, and serves enterprise and government agencies with the data breach preparation and response tool, BreachShield. Affinion Security Center is part of the steering committee of the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP) and is a member of the Staples Security Council. For more information please visit http://www.affinionsecuritycenter.com. Affinion, Affinion Security Center 2009-03-24T16:22:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/identity_theft_complaints_increase_significantly_in_2008/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/identity_theft_complaints_increase_significantly_in_2008/#When:11:00:00Z 2008 FTC Fraud and Identity Theft Complaint Data Documents Highest Ever Number of Identity Theft Complaints; Jump in Tax Return Fraud Complaints NORWALK, Conn., Feb. 26, 2009 - The Federal Trade Commission has documented the most cases of identity theft ever in one year in the 2008 Fraud and Identity Theft Complaint Data. Affinion Security Center, a leading provider of identity theft protection services, has also reported over the last six months an increase of approximately 25 percent in the illegal trade of personal information in online chat rooms where thieves buy and sell stolen information such as credit card and social security numbers. In 2008, the FTC reported that it had received approximately 1,200,000 complaints related to fraud, identity theft and other consumer complaints, an approximately 50 percent increase over the previous year.  Those consumers reported fraud related losses of more than $1.8 billion. While the report showed that identity theft is widespread, the states reporting the most complaints - Arizona, California, and Florida, coincide with the states reporting the highest rates of foreclosure, demonstrating that the economic downturn has coincided with an upturn in fraud. "This FTC report confirms what we have been seeing in the online chat rooms where identity thieves buy and sell stolen personal information.  Since we are constantly monitoring these rooms on behalf of our customers, we`ve been able to track a significant increase in activity over the last six months," said Dan Clements, vice president, Affinion Security Center.  "In fact, we think that the number of complaints that the FTC receives are just the tip of the iceberg, and there are actually many more cases of identity theft that go unreported. Americans, more than any other nation, are vulnerable to identity theft," he added. The FTC report also showed that credit card fraud was the most common forms of identity theft. When credit card information is stolen, the thieves often turn to online chat rooms where they buy and sell this information and also conduct tests to ensure the validity of the card. Affinion Security Center`s CardCops team monitors these forums on behalf of customers, alerting them if their information is ever found in a chat room.  In addition, the CardCops team has been able to track down the source of hundreds of data breaches through its research, providing a consumer service by alerting businesses that their information may have been leaked and their customer data compromised. 2008 also demonstrated a more than 50 percent increase in the percentage of identity theft complaints related to fraudulent tax returns filed. "The difficult economic environment is coinciding with a significant increase in cases of identity theft, said Tom Rusin, president of Affinion Security Center.  "We believe that solutions such as IdentitySecure, which protect against many types identity threats, can help bring consumers some peace of mind that they are protected." Each feature of the IdentitySecure solution is designed to address the modern threats facing consumers, threats that can`t be adequately monitored by an average, or even technology-savvy, individual. The IdentitySecure service includes features such as monitoring of social security numbers and public records to detect criminal activity, frequent data sweeps of the internet for personal information, credit monitoring, and monitoring of underground chat rooms that buy and sell personal information. While breaches are often unavoidable, IdentitySecure provides proactive searches, early detection and recovery assistance. For more information, please visit http://www.affinionsecuritycenter.com. About Affinion Security Center Affinion Security Center, a division of Norwalk, Connecticut-based Affinion Group, is a premier security, credit monitoring and identity theft protection innovator with nearly 35 years of global experience. It launched HotLine, a leading ID theft, credit card, fraud protection and security service in 1969. PrivacyGuard, a comprehensive membership credit monitoring product which was created in 1992, remains one of the most widely used in the U.S. In 2006, ID Secure, a sophisticated tool that uses leading-edge public records, Social Security number and credit monitoring technology to fight ID theft, was born. Another ID theft protection service in Affinion`s growing security business is PC SafetyPlus, an identity theft software service that protects members with a personal firewall to thwart hackers and other online ID threats. PC SafetyPlus software features automatic updates and service upgrades for protection against prevailing computer viruses, spyware and worms. In 2008 BreachShield, the preeminent solution to corporate data breach response, was introduced to the product line. Affinion Security Center is part of the steering committee of the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP) and is a member of the Staples Security Council. For more information please visit http://www.affinionsecuritycenter.com. For a screen grab of an online chat room, please contact Todd Smith at Affinion Group, (615) 764-2598, Affinion Security Center 2009-02-27T11:00:00-06:00