Identity theft solutions disagree on problem

Large-scale hacks into databases containing sensitive personal identification data are continuing to compromise personal data for thousands - and in some cases, millions - of individuals. Have these hacks become the flash point for converging legal and technological attempts to stem the data leaks? At both the state and federal levels, lawmakers in the US as well as Japan are introducing tough new legislation intended to punish database proprietors whose security is substandard. On 30 June 2005, the credit card industry put strict new security guidelines into effect. Meanwhile, security vendors are finding new markets in ensuring that merchants, payment processors, and storage facilities are free from cybertampering.