Data Breaches Have Surpassed Level for All of '07, Report Finds - washingtonpost.com

A stark reality check

More data breaches have been reported so far this year than in all of 2007, according to a report released yesterday by a nonprofit group that works to prevent fraud.

Identity Theft Resource Center of San Diego found that 449 U.S. businesses, government agencies and universities have reported a loss or theft of consumer data this year. Last year, the center tallied 446 breaches involving 127 million consumer records. About 90 million of those records were attributed to a single retail chain, TJX, which operates T.J. Maxx stores.

Officials said they do not know whether there have been more breaches this year or if there is better reporting of the incidents.

Data Breaches Have Surpassed Level for All of '07, Report Finds - washingtonpost.com