Kroll Cyber Security Blog – A Dialogue on Data Security

Tip #2: Practice Safe Shopping Online

Contrary to popular belief, online shopping does not necessarily carry any additional risk for identity theft than shopping in the store, provided you are taking reasonable precautions. However, it’s important to remember that thieves generally step up their activities during the holiday season – the increase in online traffic and transaction levels offer plenty of opportunities to steal data.

It’s once again the time of year when consumers are making plans to visit relatives, host festive get-togethers, and, of course, hit the stores (or computer) for some marathon shopping. In fact, if the sales circulars are any indication, it seems as though the holiday shopping season is starting earlier than ever –long before the traditional Black Friday kickoff that is familiar to most of us.  Unfortunately, the flurry of activity that goes hand-in-hand with the holidays presents a prime opportunity for a data thief to go unnoticed.  With that in mind, consumers and retailers alike need to be certain that they are putting the protection of sensitive personal information at the very top of their respective holiday to-do lists.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is seeking public comment regarding personal health records, now through December 10. Comments can be submitted through the website, on the following topics:

• Privacy and security and emerging technologies
• Consumer expectations about collection and use of health information
• Privacy and security requirements for non-covered entities
• Any other comments on personal health records (PHRs) and non-covered entities

The ONC is also hosting a day-long public roundtable discussion, Personal Health Records – Understanding the Evolving Landscape. According to the website, the purpose is to “inform ONC’s congressionally mandated report on privacy and security requirements for non-covered entities (non-CEs), with a focus on personal health records (PHRs) and related service providers.”