Data losses go on, and on, and on...

Posted in 'Identity Theft' by Barry Stamp

13 December 2011

Well over 150,000 people had their personal data put at risk in November, which is a substantial increase on the handful of breaches reported in November 2010.

Our sister website annualcreditreport.co.uk lists every single data breach, and the list grows longer and longer, to the point now where most of us have had our identities put at risk by the actions of a third party. We have always said that identity fraud is massively overhyped in the UK, but unless data security standards improve, the wild statements made by previous governments and others about the extent of identity fraud may just come true.

The Information Commissioner's Office issues warning after warning to the companies concerned, and the most likely place to lose sensitive data remains the NHS.

Varying in scale and seriousness, deep concerns remain that data losses continue to occur despite increased efforts – and threats – from the ICO to beef up security when dealing with sensitive information.

With cases of identity theft at an all time high, and fraudsters constantly looking for ways to exploit consumers, it’s important that you do everything you can to stay safe.

One of the best ways of identifying identity fraud early is the regular monitoring of your credit report for unusual activity.

You can check your credit report free on checkmyfile if you trial our monitoring service for 30 days, and after the free period, this costs only £8.99 per month - for a report that has more than twice the information than any other in the UK.

Our Multi Agency Credit Report includes seven credit scores and ratings with every report.

Our Identity Theft Check service will also give you personalised advice and this is completely free of charge, does not store the answers you give, and can be found by clicking the link on the right hand side of the tabs above.