Identity Theft Kit for Businesses

HRinfodesk---Canadian Payroll and Employment Law, February/March 2005

In partnership with law enforcement agencies, consumer groups and the private sector, several provinces including Alberta and Ontario have developed a national identity theft kit that can be used by businesses to protect customer data and comply with federal and provincial privacy legislation. The identity theft kit will help businesses and their employees develop secure information management practices.

According to the government, the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus estimates the cost of identity theft to consumers, banks, credit card firms, stores and other businesses is $2.5 billion annually. Identity theft occurs when someone's personal information is used without his or her knowledge or consent to commit a crime, such as fraud or theft.

The kit will help business:

* Only collect essential data from customers;

* Obtain consent when they collect data;

* Encrypt data on networks, laptops and remote access devices;

* Update security software frequently;

* Conduct employee background checks; and

* Shred all sensitive documents.

Businesses looking for a copy of the identity theft kit can visit the government of Alberta website at www.gov.ab.ca/gs or the Consumer Measures Committee website at Identity Theft.

By Yosie Saint-Cyr, Editor at HRinfodesk

Published on HRinfodesk---Canadian Payroll and Employment Law

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