WASHINGTON, DC - Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Lee Terry (R-NE) today announced plans for a hearing the first week of February to examine data breaches and their effect on consumers. Target, which recently suffered a breach that compromised the information of approximately 110 million customers, will testify along with law enforcement officials and other witnesses. The subcommittee also issued an easy to use resource guide for consumers concerned their personal or financial account information may have been compromised in a data breach. The “Data Breach Consumer Alert " provides the public with resources and helpful information about how to protect against identity theft and what to do when fraudulent charges are discovered.
“Tens of millions of Americans have had their information compromised in recent weeks, and consumers deserve to know what information has been taken and the potential threats that exist. By examining these recent breaches and their consequences on consumers, we hope to gain a better understanding of the nature of these crimes and what steps can be taken to further protect information and limit cyber threats," said subcommittee Chairman Terry.
“For those consumers concerned they have been a victim of a data breach, we want them to know that there are resources available and actions they can take to help protect their identity and account information. Public awareness is a critical first defense, and our alert provides consumers with proactive steps they can take to avoid or lessen consequences of these criminal activities. This subcommittee has had several hearings on data breach and we will continue aggressively working to safeguard Americans in this increasingly digital world."
More details about the hearing will be announced.
