Some may remember a post a few months ago in which I discussed ways that you can secure your laptop’s personal data using the opensource encryption solution TrueCrypt. I then took our security journey a step further in this post where I explored similar options to secure your data on external drives. Finally, I even touched on the importance of encrypting your data when using a off-site backup solution like Mozy.

So, why all the emphasis on data security and encryption? Well, you would have to be living a pretty isolated life not to realize that identity theft rates have been climbing to all time highs. Additionally, we store, transmit, manipulate and share data in more transparent ways than ever before. In fact, many are often unpleasantly surprised where their personal information may be stored in the clear for the taking.

While there are some state laws for how and when victims of a data breach should be notified, once a breach has occurred that data is in the wild with little that you can do to protect you, your family and your identity. That leaves us to do what we can to protect ourselves. Hence, my short series on data encryption and taking personal responsibility to protect your data.

Equifax
To report fraud, call (800) 525-6285 or write to P.O. Box 740250, Atlanta, GA 30374-0250.

Experian (formerly TRW)
To report fraud, call (888) EXPERIAN or (888) 397-3742, fax to (800) 301-7196, or write to P.O. Box 1017, Allen, TX 75013.

Trans Union
To report fraud, call (800) 680-7289 or write to P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634.

It is my hope that with the tips, tricks and solutions that I’ve presented will help to motivate you to safeguard your information. As I’ve demonstrated, with a little bit of preventative effort, you too can rest a little more easily knowing that if you leave your laptop on the train or your flash drive falls into the back seat of the cab, that your data will be safer than ever before.