FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: 212-459-8888
Fax: 212-459-8855
Agency Twitter: @NYSConsumer

DATE: January 28, 2010

New York State Advances Personal Information Protections
And Commemorates Data Privacy Day
- Governor Paterson Proclaims January 28, 2010 Data Privacy Day in New
York State -

Governor David A. Paterson and several New York State agencies are today
joining with government officials from across the United States and 27
European countries, privacy professionals, academics, legal scholars,
representatives of international businesses, and others to promote
understanding of privacy best practices and rights through the observance
of National Data Privacy Day.

As part of the commemoration, Governor Paterson issued a proclamation
declaring January 28, 2010 Data Privacy Day in New York State. Governor
Paterson noted that the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB),
the State?s Chief Information Officer/Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) and
the State Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure
Coordination (CSCIC) are all working to protect residents from identity
theft and to address consumer and business concerns regarding data privacy
and security issues.

?More than 1.1 million records of New York State residents were impacted
by over 400 data breaches in 2009, highlighting the need for vigilance
among all entities that handle personal identifiable information in our
State,? said Governor Paterson. ?We are committed to providing important
information and resources to help businesses avoid data breaches, and
assisting thousands of consumers who have fallen victim to identity theft.
New York?s participation in the National Data Privacy Day underscores our
dedication to protecting the privacy and personal information of our
residents.?

Nationally, more than 342 million records containing sensitive personal
information have been involved in data breaches from 2005 - 2009,
according to reports by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Identity theft
is the most common consumer fraud complaint in the United States affecting
approximately ten million Americans each year. New York State is sixth per
capita in identity theft complaints in the nation.

?The Consumer Protection Board is pleased to join Governor Paterson and
other State agencies in helping to reduce data breaches, educate the
public on privacy best practices and lessen the risk of identity theft,?
said CPB Chairperson and Executive Director Mindy A. Bockstein.? Enhancing
personal privacy is one of our top priorities as our sensitive and
identifying information is a valuable asset worthy of protecting from
misuse.?

For this year?s commemoration, the CPB is focusing on the growing problem
of medical identity theft - - what it is, what to look out for, how to
avoid it, and ways to fight back. The CPB is also launching an initiative
called ?Exercise Your Options,? which will inform consumers about privacy
options such as opting out of ?pre-approved? offers, reducing
telemarketing calls by signing up for the Do Not Call Registry, monitoring
their credit history by obtaining free credit reports, and more.

The CPB has a wealth of resources for consumers on how to safeguard their
personal information, including an Identity Theft Prevention and
Mitigation Program in which trained personnel are available to assist New
York State residents in dealing with the threat and consequences of this
crime. The CPB also has valuable resources for the business community.
These include the video ?Anatomy of a Data Breach: What Your Business
Needs to Know? and the CPB?s highly acclaimed Business Privacy Guide.

Anatomy of a Data Breach, the Business Privacy Guide and numerous
resources can be accessed on the CPB?s website at: www.nysconsumer.gov.
Cyber security tips, webcasts, videos and guidebooks can be found on
CSCIC?s website at http://www.cscic.state.ny.us/cscorner/news. New York?s
information technology guidelines and related resources can be obtained at
www.oft.state.ny.us.

Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, Ph.D., New York State?s Chief Information
Officer and Director of the Office for Technology said, ?The Office of the
Chief Information Officer /Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) plays a central
role in protecting data and assets for New York State. CIO/OFT operates
four mainframe data centers where several mission-critical applications
are hosted. Data Privacy Day serves as a vital reminder of how important
managing a wealth of information in a secure and responsible way is. New
York State will continue to implement ?best practices? in the industry
regarding data privacy and security.?

William F. Pelgrin, CSCIC Director said, ?As cyber security threats
increase in volume and complexity, continued vigilance is required to
safeguard private and sensitive information from unauthorized access. User
awareness at all levels is a central component in helping identify and
mitigate data breach risks. CSCIC is pleased to join Governor Paterson
and our State agency partners in recognizing Data Privacy Day and
educating the public about data protection strategies.?

The CPB, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is marking
its 40th anniversary as the State?s top consumer watchdog and think tank.
The CPB?s core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing
unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product recalls;
conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the ?Do Not Call? law;
researching issues; developing legislation; creating consumer education
programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by
securing voluntary agreements; and, representing the interests of
consumers before the Public Service Commission and other State and federal
agencies.

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To file a consumer complaint with the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB),
call our toll-free hotline at 800-697-1220 or visit the CPB?s website at
www.nysconsumer.gov. In addition to the online complaint form, the website
is home to important consumer safety information.

Jorge

Jorge I. Montalvo
Director of Strategic and Virtual Consumer Programming
NYS Consumer Protection Board
Ph: +1 (518) 486-3703

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