Fairfield-Echo.com

Clark Howard's Tips

March 7, 2008

Following the last major security breach of veteran info, Congress ordered all government agencies to have procedures in place to protect your info. Now the Government Accountability Office -- the investigative arm of Congress -- has found that only 2 out of 24 agencies they checked had implemented any new procedures.

It's not just the feds not securing your info; most local governments and court systems also have it unsecured.

Isn't it ironic that corporate America is actually further along in protecting you than government? That's not saying much considering how lousy of a job corporate America is doing!

So what's the problem? Simple -- it's not anyone's primary mission in either of those sectors to secure your info. It's like rearranging a sock drawer -- will you ever get around to that? The only cop on the beat is you. The weapon of choice is a credit freeze. There's a new sheriff in town. You just have to choose to put on the badge.

Consumer advice courtesy of