Eichorn Spotlights Payroll's Role in Preventing ID Theft in Congress Speech

By Jillian Badanes

Protecting the innocent is a pillar of a superhero's job description. The same goes for pay heroes.

In a speech at the 28th Annual Congress in National Harbor, Md., Mark Eichorn, Assistant Director of the Division of Privacy & Identity Protection at the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Federal Trade Commission, pointed out the many valuable pieces of personal information that payroll professionals are entrusted with every day. It is the responsibility of every business to make sure the private information of employees does not fall into the wrong hands, Eichorn said.

"It's very sensitive information and it's very important to people including your colleagues," he told the packed ballroom.

The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection enforces anti-trust and consumer protection law, goes after those engaging in unfair or deceptive conduct, and looks for new ways to prevent identity theft. One of the FTC's most valuable allies in protecting private information is payroll and accounts payable professionals, said Eichorn. Eichorn shared five key tips with the audience on how to avoid putting private information at risk and keep a business in line with the law.

First, take stock of confidential information and keep only what is necessary. If it is necessary, keep it safely locked, and if it is not necessary or once it is no longer needed, then dispose of it properly, he said. Even with those preventative steps, Eichorn said it is still important to have a plan in case a security breach does occur. Being a superhero sometimes requires thinking like the villain to prepare for an attack, and so pay heroes must be ready for worst case scenarios as well.

"What if a hacker did get access to this information? What steps are you going to take? Who are you going to notify?" he asked the audience.

Many states require businesses to notify the state government and the individual involved first. Eichorn advised everyone to learn the particular procedure of their own area and be prepared. Although many say payroll is a thankless job, Eichorn said he often hears from consumers who have benefited from their careful safeguarding.

"I know you all do a great job of protecting information," he said. "On behalf of those consumers, thank you."

*See photos from the 28th Annual Congress and register now for the 29th Annual Congress!