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This is an appropriate question to ask right now. On the eve of the Presidential inauguration we should wonder what the future holds. What new laws will be enacted? Where will the new president focus his attention? I'm asking myself that question right now with regard to identity theft. Laws are being enacted on a regular basis both by state and federal government. Somewhere around 44 states now have some type of laws on the books addressing either identity theft or information security. Some of these laws speak of redress for victims, others speak to responsibility or liability for for protecting consumer information. Either way laws are being enacted that effect you. Funny thing about laws being enacted though. Unless we are lawyers, politicians or have a specific reason to spend a lot of time keeping up with new laws, we rarely know about them. Normally a new or pending law only becomes public when someone it will affect makes a big stink about it. Other wise they simply get enacted without any fanfare. Identity theft, privacy and security are "hot" issues right now. Finding a way to handle this problem is complex and tricky. It takes all of us doing our part in the fight. You don't have to be an expert but you do need to do your part. For individuals: Be diligent in protecting your own personal information. Report all identity thefts to the proper authorities. When you are a victim, you have two choices. Have a service to restore your identity or deal with and restore your identity yourself. If you do it yourself keep meticulous records in the event the thief is caught those records could be vital evidence. For businesses: Take the time to learn what laws are on the books and the impact it could have on your business. Take all recommended steps to protect your business and the information of your clients. Put reasonable measures in place now. Be sure you are doing everything recommended. A conversation with a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist can make you aware of what you need to do and they can help you actually do what needs to be done. For us all there is an old proverb that we have all heard: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" Doing what we need to do today is prevention, not addressing the problem now means we wait until something happens and then we are looking at a pound of cure through legislation, liability laws and and who knows what else.
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