Protecting Privacy
Identity theft can ruin your credit. But with advances in protection from identity theft, it’s easy to learn about the risks and determine how to eliminate them.
By Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret.

I typically use this page to preview a story or give you background information about how we’ve packaged an issue of your magazine. Occasionally I’ll talk about a high priority issue or breaking news that, because of short deadlines, we otherwise could not fit in the magazine. That is the situation this month.

The topic is protecting your privacy in today’s cyber society. The spurring event is the discovery that sensitive information on 26.5 million veterans discharged since 1975 (and some pre-1975) was stolen from a VA employee. That theft was one of the largest breaches of identity security ever. It could endanger the financial security of millions of people.

The theft has caused many MOAA members to call our headquarters. Their questions fall in several categories: What can I do to protect myself following this theft? What is MOAA doing about the VA situation? And how is MOAA protecting my personal information?

You’ll find answers to question one in many places. The VA has posted information about the security breach and actions veterans may wish to take at www.va.gov/opa. Your bank and insurance company also are great sources of tips for protecting your identity. But don’t forget: As an MOAA member, you also have another trustworthy source of information — MOAA itself.

MOAA will continue to publish helpful personal security tips and resources in its magazines and on its Web site. (See “Rapid Fire,” page 21.) We’ve also created an online personal security resource center at www.moaa.org/security, a one-stop center for information about securing your personal information.

In response to question two, MOAA president Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., USN-Ret., says, “We view the recent loss by the VA of personal data pertaining to millions of veterans as a very serious and troubling matter. The association is supporting legislation that would have the government pay the expense of purchasing credit reporting services for affected veterans.” (See “Washington Scene,” page 29.)

The answer to question three is that MOAA has stringent security procedures in place. Nevertheless, the president directed a comprehensive audit of security policies, procedures, and compliance to guarantee the protection of members’ personal information.

Unfortunately, new technologies bring new opportunities for criminals. Your best defense against cyber crime is to stay informed. MOAA is in your corner as both an advocate and an information provider.