From Deseret News archives:
A disturbing security breach
Anyone who has experienced identity theft can attest that it is highly expensive and nearly impossible to undo the damage that can occur when someone has access to one's bank accounts or uses personal information to obtain loans or credit cards. If someone's income is so limited that they qualify for government programs, they will face extreme difficulty unraveling such a mess.
"It's a particularly gross crime," said U.S. attorney for Utah Brett Tolman in announcing federal indictments against four Utahns including a woman employed on and off in the state Department of Workforce Services, where the identity thefts allegedly occurred. The woman had access to a database containing the personal information of some 1,775 people. "Gross crime" is an understatement.
But at a time when security of sensitive government records should be iron-clad, Americans learned this past week that Internal Revenue Service computers have such poor controls that disgruntled employees, agency contractors or outside hackers could steal taxpayers' confidential information.
Taxpayers at all levels deserve far better. Any time they provide personal information to a government agency they should have confidence that the information will be used for its intended purpose and that it will be properly secured. Sadly, these are three recent examples in which the public confidence has been betrayed. All levels of government must strive for better control of this information and enforce policies that ensure sensitive information is handled with the utmost care.
Recent comments
Having been a victim of identity theft, I can tell you all that the...
Been violated | April 14, 2008 at 5:39 p.m.
let's stop identity theft... perhaps tougher penalties for the...
tougher penalties | April 14, 2008 at 3:32 p.m.
- RSL championship rally Tuesday 10:34 a.m.
- Artifact case trials set for early '10 10:30 a.m.
- Drywall, corrosion link found 10:27 a.m.
- Man arrested following chase 10:26 a.m.
- Gas prices fall to begin travel week 10:12 a.m.
- China activist gets 3 years in prison 10:05 a.m.
- Greenhouse gases hit record in '08 10:02 a.m.
- Home sales data carry stocks higher 10:00 a.m.
- KSL: Purses dirtier than bathrooms 9:41 a.m.
- Brazil wins volleyball championship 9:23 a.m.
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
209 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
200 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
171 - BYU records with win
130 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
129 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
102 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
I don't pretend to be an expert on global warming. I've met with...
2 of 3 becomes 3 of 4! u will need to rebuild next year after losing 24...
If you watched Sportscenter last night you would know that 2 NHL teams have...
@Murray Dad: well said. We have made it a habit to invade lands without...
The article points up the quagmire we start when we have govt. involved!...
time of year. UTAH vs. BYU, Utah fans and Cougar fans talking smack about...
Only a ute would brag about their loss to TCU. They beat you so badly that...
I'm hoping she does run. I'm hoping she gets the nomination because if so,...
I love Utah. I love the Pioneer Settlements, the heritage and culture, as...
Hi:I´m argentine and I´m very happy for Javier Morales.And, of course, for...
That's the only thing keeping SLCC from becoming a truly great athletic...

