Toward a Breach Canary for Data Brokers
Summary: Krebs on Security examines why breaches at consumer data brokers are far harder to trace than retail card breaches, since consumer records often carry no unique markers showing their source. The post proposes inserting "breach canaries" - unique dummy identities - into records held by top data brokers so investigators can identify which broker is leaking data through breaches or fraudulent accounts.
Why it matters: Identity theft services have sold Social Security numbers and other records for about $3 to $5 each, and one service drew on active customer accounts inside major brokers including LexisNexis, Dun & Bradstreet and Kroll - none of which, to the author's knowledge, has been held publicly accountable in court or by Congress.
Read the original at Krebs on Security ↗
- Topics
- Data Breaches
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