"We pushed for laws that make government and businesses tell consumers when a security breach puts them at risk of identity theft," said Cooper. "Consumers who get notice can act fast to protect their good names."
Under North Carolina laws, state and local government as well as businesses must notify consumers if a security breach may have compromised their personal information. A total of 103 breaches that involved information about more than 500,000 North Carolina consumers have been reported since the laws took effect in 2005 and 2006.
Of those breaches, half involved the theft of laptops, computers or other equipment containing personal information. Nearly 20 percent of breaches were caused by unauthorized release or display of information, and nearly 18 percent were the result of hackers. Almost half of all breaches reported came from the financial services and insurance industry, while nearly ten percent were reported by state and local government agencies. Businesses have been required to report security breaches since December 1, 2005, and state and local governments have been required to report breaches since October 1, 2006.
A security breach happens when data or records containing personal information such as Social Security Numbers or bank account numbers are lost, stolen or displayed. North Carolinians who get word that their information could be at risk because of a recent security breach need to take steps to protect themselves, Cooper said. Consumers should notify the three credit bureaus, consider placing a freeze on their credit, and continue checking their credit frequently. Cooper has launched an ID theft education initiative with additional tips for consumers including tips related to security breaches available at www.noscamnc.gov.
"An identity thief needs just a few pieces of information to pretend to be you and ruin your credit," said Cooper. "If you know that your information could be in the wrong hands, take steps to protect yourself."
To help protect consumers from identity theft, Cooper has also worked to educate consumers about this fast growing crime and pushed through a number of tough laws to require business and government to better protect consumers' personal information and give consumers the right to freeze their credit.
