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A data breach is a security violation in which sensitive, protected or confidential data is copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen or used by an unauthorized individual. It could be a result of

December 13, 2010

TO:

Edwin Hoffmark
California Department of Public Health
PO Box 997377; MS 3201
Sacramento, CA 95899-7337

Submitted via email: RNUnit-at-cdph.ca.gov

Dear Mr. Hoffmark:

A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine digit identification number that has become a universal identifier for both the government and the private sector in the U.S.

A Social Security number can be used to steal your identity (commonly called identity theft) to commit fraud, open new credit and bank accounts, get medical care/other benefits and obtain employment.

COMMENTS TO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Submitted by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

September 13, 2010

Nobody likes to think about the possibility of a disaster, but it’s important for you to be prepared long before one happens. Once one hits, it's unlikely that you’ll have enough time to take the steps to protect yourself and your personal information.

Passwords can be your first line of defense against stolen personal information (phone data, banking information, email, medical records) so it’s important to create one that is strong.

In 1973 the U.S. Dept of Health Education and Welfare (HEW) to look at the impact of computerization on medical records privacy. The members wanted to develop policies that would allow the benefits of computerization to go forward, but at the same time provide safeguards for personal privacy.