Business Identity Theft and Extortion

Business identity theft has been a topic on this site for the last week or so. But there's more yet to cover. Like what business data breaches can bring. Take this recent example of an Express Scripts data breach. A data breach has allowed criminals access to millions of customer data records, including social security numbers, prescriptions, and other identifying information.

As if the data breach weren't enough for Express Script to worry about, the criminals that have gained control of those records are now extorting the company for money. Express Scripts handled the situation correctly, by going to the FBI and making the data breach public knowledge. But that doesn't change the situation.

What could have changed it would be better data controls. Something that many companies are just beginning to realize is an essential part of business. So, while technically not a business identity theft, this data breach case could lead to personal identity theft, and if you ask me, they're all tied in together. Businesses must learn to protect themselves and their customers better. Without increased security and data protection, identity theft will always be a problem.