Agent Informer - National Association of Professional Allstate Agents ...
Agent Informer - National Association of Professional Allstate Agents ...
Agent Informer - National Association of Professional Allstate Agents ...
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Report: Data Breaches Up 69 Percent<br />
July 11, 2008, NU Online News Service<br />
A study by a nonpr<strong>of</strong>it group that works to prevent fraud takes note <strong>of</strong> a news report that insurers and other<br />
businesses, governments and universities disclosed a 69 percent increase in data breaches in the first half <strong>of</strong><br />
2008 compared with a similar period in 2007.<br />
The Identity Theft Resource Center in San Diego tracked 342 data-breach reports from Jan. 1 to June 27, said<br />
a Washington Post story. More than one-third <strong>of</strong> the reports came from businesses, a 27 percent increase over<br />
total breaches in 2007. The center found that data breaches among health care providers and banks also<br />
increased. They now account for 15 percent and 10 percent <strong>of</strong> the breaches, respectively.<br />
Hacking was the least-cited cause <strong>of</strong> data breaches in the first six months <strong>of</strong> this year. Instead, lost or stolen<br />
laptops and other digital storage media remain the most frequently cited cause <strong>of</strong> data breaches, accounting<br />
for more than 20 percent <strong>of</strong> all reported cases, the article noted.<br />
Within the insurance industry, Willis Group Holdings brokerage said recently that the company along with<br />
police was investigating the loss <strong>of</strong> an unspecified amount <strong>of</strong> computer data affecting a number <strong>of</strong> clients and<br />
employees.<br />
In a statement that was limited in detail Willis said it was looking into the loss <strong>of</strong> data on backup tapes. The<br />
loss occurred recently while in transit to a storage facility. Willis said the tapes “were inadvertently misplaced.”<br />
The brokerage is working with law enforcement to recover the tapes and an investigation is continuing. Citing<br />
the involvement <strong>of</strong> law enforcement, a spokesman for the firm said he could not say where the tapes were lost<br />
or how many individuals could be affected. He did say the loss was not global and it affected a small portion <strong>of</strong><br />
clients and Willis associates.<br />
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Note on letters: The opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily those <strong>of</strong> NAPAA. Letters should be brief and are subject<br />
to editing. We will publish letters anonymously; however, we will not accept letters sent anonymously.<br />
The views expressed by NAPAA, or any <strong>of</strong> its positions relative to its activities and those <strong>of</strong> its members' actions on behalf<br />
<strong>of</strong> this organization, are expressly those <strong>of</strong> NAPAA, and do not reflect the views or opinions <strong>of</strong> <strong>Allstate</strong> Insurance<br />
Company, or any <strong>of</strong> its affiliates.<br />
This newsletter may not be redistributed or reproduced in any form, including electronically, without prior written<br />
permission from NAPAA.<br />
Contact Information for <strong>Agent</strong> <strong>Informer</strong> Newsletter & NAPAA Headquarters:<br />
E-mail: ExecutiveDirector@napaausa.org<br />
Fax: 866/627-2232<br />
<strong>National</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>Allstate</strong> <strong>Agent</strong>s, Inc. (NAPAA)<br />
P.O. Box 7666, Gulfport, MS 39506-7666<br />
Toll free Phone: 877/627-2248<br />
Toll free Fax: 866/627-2232<br />
E-mail:<br />
HQ@napaausa.org<br />
Web Site:<br />
www.napaausa.org