Who are you?
I work in Boston as an Information Architect at BigBad Inc., an interactive agency. Previously, I worked as an Interaction Design professional at Digitas LLC, an interactive marketing agency. I have deep experience about effective web site design practices, and use this expertise when reviewing various products and services.
During the past 15 years, I have built several web sites covering a variety of interests. I currently perform webmaster duties for my neighborhood civic association.
Why do you write this blog?
This blog chronicles my experiences with identity theft, identity fraud, and corporate responsibility about data breaches. I started this blog after a former employer exposed my sensitive personal data during a data breach. As I researched data breaches and corporate responses, I learned that many consumers knew as little as I knew, before I started this blog. I learned that the identity theft issues were complex, and mainstream media wasn't telling me everything I needed to know. A blog seemed like a good tool to organize the information I had collected, to explore emerging issues and what I'd learned, to discuss key events about identity theft, to question assumptions and industry practices, and to exchange information with others.
Who was the prior employer that exposed your personal data during a data breach?
From 1988 to 1991, I worked as a Product Manager at Lotus Development Corporation in Cambridge, Massachusetts within the One Source Information Services unit. In 1995, IBM Corporation acquired Lotus. In February 2007, IBM suffered a data breach which exposed the sensitive personal data of an undisclosed number of current and former IBM employees, including my data.
In response to its data breach, IBM arranged for free credit monitoring for one year for its data breach victims. This is a common practice by companies, and this blog explores the associated issues and risks both data breach victims and identity theft victims should be aware of.
Why should consumers read your blog?
For five years, I performed business and economics research at Baker Library at the Harvard Business School (HBS) to support the teaching cases developed and taught by HBS professors. I use the research techniques I learned at Baker Library to develop content for this blog.
I also worked previously as a Marketing Manager for Mead Data Central (formerly a division of Mead Corporation), which produces the Lexis-Nexis brand of information services. I use the research techniques I learned at Lexis-Nexis to develop content for this blog. I spend a lot of time researching issues and I believe that quality research shows in trustworthy blog posts.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) collects a lot of statistics about identity theft and consumer fraud. The FTC regularly develops guidelines for companies to follow regarding identity theft, financial services, and consumer privacy. I track FTC activity because the FTC often seeks input from consumers about its proposed guidelines, emerging issues, and new technologies. Some of the FTC's decisions are so controversial that you will want to write to your Congressional representatives.
Do you get free products and services for the reviews you write?
No, I do not. Some vendors have offered free products to facilitate a product review, but I always decline their offers. It is important to me that readers of this blog trust this blog as a source of independent information. I do not receive any compensation from banks, financial service firms, or providers of identity theft products and services. So readers of this blog can trust that the reviews and opinions aren't influenced or slanted by any compensation.
I do not have any arrangements or contracts with any identity theft product or service providers. In fact, I prefer to buy any identity theft products online so I can evaluate both my purchase experience at the vendor's web site and the product's performance. Obviously because of the costs, I cannot subscribe to all of the credit monitoring services reviewed in this blog. Each review states whether or not I subscribe to that credit monitoring service service. I review products and services that I feel need to be reviewed because of their features, content, and/or functionality; not because of a vendor's request.
Identity theft is a scary topic. Can't consumers just ignore it until (and if) they have a problem?
I realize that identity theft is really scary for some people. So, you'll find humor items in this blog. In fact, there is a "humor" selection in the tag cloud. It's important to laugh, and believe it or not -- there's plenty to laugh about with identity theft.
I also realize that many consumers prefer to ignore the topic of identity theft. That's their choice. Sticking their heads in the sand may seem like an effective response, but I highly doubt it. Hopefully, if and when they do have an identity theft problem they'll remember to visit this blog for advice and solutions. Of course, the frequent readers of this blog are likely to lose less money from identity theft and suffer fewer headaches, since they will know what to do to protect their identity data.
What else should readers of your blog know?
Disclaimer: The opinions shared in this blog do not represent the opinions of my employer, nor of any organizations I perform webmaster duties for. The content in this blog is neither legal nor financial advice. I am not a lawyer. I am not a financial planner. If you need legal or financial advice, hire a lawyer or financial planner.
Like you, I am a consumer trying to navigate the complex marketplace of identity theft products, services, and data breaches -- all made more complex by offshore outsourcing, shifting data security practices, the oligopoly status of the national credit bureaus, and government legislation (or the lack thereof). Many products, services, and conditions change quickly. This blog is a resource consumers can use to keep up with the rapid pace of change.
All photos that appear on this site are copyrighted by their respective owners. I do not claim credit for the images and photographs, unless otherwise noted. If you own the rights to any of the images or photography and do not wish for them to appear on this site please contact me and the items will be promptly removed. Thanks!
