Contact:	Clarence Mills (202) 543-1440 c.mills@att.net
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin PR-61 October 23, 2008

Identity Theft Task Force Reports Strategic Plan Improvements, But Issue Persists

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 23, 2008 - The Identity Theft Task Force, established in 2006 by President George W. Bush to combat identity theft more effectively, has reviewed the progress made on its strategic plan to the president that was submitted in 2007. The strategic plan examined the characteristics and range of identity theft and included 31 recommendations in four key areas: data protection, avoiding data misuse, victim assistance and deterrence.

The report concludes that task force members have implemented many of the 31 recommendations, yet many are ongoing. Because identity theft continues to evolve and expand as a crime, solutions and potential victims need to maintain adaptability. Further, once the 31 recommendations on the strategic plan have been successfully completed, the fight will not be over; perpetrators continue to be more creative and aggressive.

The report states, "It is a challenge in which the security risks and responsibilities spread from consumers, to enterprises, to information technology and telecommunication vendors, software providers, and others who facilitate the collection use, maintenance, and eventual destruction of personal information."

The Automotive Service Association has encouraged members to be aware of important policy initiatives related to identity theft. Small businesses and their customers have much at risk as the task force has highlighted. ASA will continue to report on specific initiatives to help ensure its members and their customers are protected from identity theft.

To view The President's Identity Theft Task Force Report, please visit ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.

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