Identity Theft Summit Targets Online Privacy
Helping Californians protect themselves from online fraud, identity theft and other online dangers is the focus of the Schwarzenegger Administration’s third annual identity theft summit today in South San Francisco. “Protecting Privacy Online: A California Identity Theft Summit” at the South San Francisco Conference Center offers nine specialized training workshops that examine and provide solutions to online security, identity theft and fraud.
The focus of this year’s free summit is partly in response to increased data security breaches, information compromises and online fraud that have affected California consumers’ personally identifiable information.
“Each year, California residents and businesses lose billions of dollars to identity theft,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Our personal data is exactly that — personal — and it must be protected in the virtual world with stronger security measures. I am impressed by the variety of industries, businesses, and government offices joining together during this summit to provide leadership and solutions. I am particularly happy to see information being presented that will help protect our children from online predators.”
A recent online survey found that 91% of Americans are concerned about identity theft. About one million Californians continue to be affected by this crime each year.
“As a recognized leader in privacy protection and identity theft prevention, California continues to provide innovative solutions to guard against this invasive crime,” said Rosario Marin, Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency.
“We can never be too informed or too educated when it comes to privacy protection,” said Scott Reid, Acting Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs. “Today’s workshops are designed for consumers, parents, merchants, the legal profession, higher education, notaries, government and law enforcement, and will enhance everyone’s awareness and methods for improving privacy protection.”
The Summit features keynote speaker Rena Mears, global and U.S. Privacy Services Leader for Deloitte & Touche LLP who, as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Information Systems Security Professional and Certified Information Systems Auditor, designs and implements privacy architectures.
Summit details are available at www.idtheftsummit.ca.gov