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Theft of Personal Data Hits Record

At least 79 million records compromised this year

By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 31, 2007 4:10 AM CST
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(Newser) – Theft of sensitive personal data such as Social Security and credit card information from corporations, government offices and other institutions hit a record this year, reports AP. One survey found 79 million records compromised in the US—nearly four times as many reported in 2006. Another study cited over 162 million data breaches worldwide this year.

Security experts attribute the increases to the prevalence of wireless networking, and crack, determined hackers. Some see the phenomenon as the unavoidable nature of the technological beast. "Moving forward, more companies are going to have more records, so there will be more records compromised each year," warned one analyst.

The reports' figures come after a year in which companies are spending record amounts on computer security measures.
The reports' figures come after a year in which companies are spending record amounts on computer security measures.   (Getty Images)
Over 162 million instances of data theft are reported to have occurred this year worldwide.
Over 162 million instances of data theft are reported to have occurred this year worldwide.   (Getty Images)
Some experts also warn against the storage of sensitive information on theft-prone laptops.
Some experts also warn against the storage of sensitive information on theft-prone laptops.   (Getty Images)
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