Identity theft is a growing concern in today’s digital age. With the increasing use of technology and the internet, it has become easier for criminals to steal personal information and use it for fraudulent purposes. In order to better understand the scope of this problem, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) and LexisNexis Risk Solutions conducted a study on identity theft.
The study, which was released in 2020, analyzed data from over 1,000 data breaches that occurred in the United States in 2019. It found that there were a total of 164.68 million sensitive records exposed in these breaches, which included personal information such as names, addresses, social security numbers, and financial information.
One of the key findings of the study was that the number of data breaches decreased in 2019 compared to the previous year. However, the number of sensitive records exposed increased by 17%. This suggests that while companies may be improving their security measures to prevent breaches, they are still struggling to protect the personal information of their customers.
The study also found that the healthcare industry was the most targeted sector for data breaches, accounting for 51% of all breaches. This is particularly concerning as healthcare records contain some of the most sensitive personal information, including medical histories and social security numbers.
Another important finding was that phishing attacks were the most common method used by cybercriminals to steal personal information. Phishing involves sending fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source in order to trick individuals into providing their personal information. The study found that 65% of all data breaches involved phishing attacks.
The study also highlighted the importance of taking proactive measures to protect personal information. This includes regularly monitoring credit reports and financial accounts for suspicious activity, using strong and unique passwords for online accounts, and being cautious when sharing personal information online.
Overall, the study conducted by the ITRC and LexisNexis Risk Solutions provides valuable insights into the current state of identity theft in the United States. It underscores the need for individuals and companies to take proactive measures to protect personal information and prevent data breaches. By staying informed and taking steps to protect personal information, we can all work together to combat identity theft and keep our sensitive information safe.
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