UT CID In the News

Fons Knopjes named Fellow at The University of Texas at Austin

UT CID Press Release - October 5, 2023
The University of Texas at Austin Center for Identity, a leader in multidisciplinary identity security and privacy research and education, has announced the appointment of Fons Knopjes to serve as a Fellow on the Center’s Board of Advisors.

Susan Combs named Fellow at The University of Texas at Austin

UT CID Press Release - December 3, 2020
The University of Texas at Austin Center for Identity, a leader in multidisciplinary identity security and privacy research and education, today announced the appointment of Susan Combs to serve as a Fellow on the Center’s Board of Advisors.

Find out when your online accounts are compromised -- for free

CBS News - January 31, 2020

For a fee, monthly credit monitoring services will alert you to irregular activity on your accounts. However, an Austin-based company can tell you if criminals are trading your personal information on the Dark Web -- sometimes before they even start using that data.

Biometrics: Dismantling the Myths Surrounding Facial Recognition

Security Week - August 15, 2019

According to a 2018 report from the Center for Identity at the University of Texas, the rate of adoption for biometrics has accelerated over the last five years. That shouldn’t come as a surprise. In the age of digital transformation, organizations are now looking for innovative and secure solutions to authenticate users seeking access to resources. After all, accurate, reliable authentication is critical to managing the digital risk that comes with having an unprecedented dynamic and diverse workforce connecting to numerous apps and other resources. As identity management becomes more complex, biometrics has quickly entered the scene as organizations look to enhance their security postures.

2019 identity theft report released

International Travel and Health Insurance Journal - August 5, 2019

The University of Texas at Austin Center for Identity has released the 2019 International Identity Theft Assessment and Prediction Report, which details the emerging trends in international identity theft, fraud and abuse and provides additional insights into the supply chain of abused identity assets

DIGITAL DILEMMA: Is Austin a cybersecurity hub? Depends who you ask.

Austin American Statesman - March 1, 2019

Although it’s up for debate where the city’s cybersecurity future stands, startups, the largest tech employers, higher education institutions and even the military have made headlines in recent years for prioritizing information security — the wider net that includes cybersecurity and the protection and maintenance of data.

Gartner: Future of identity management is mobile, SaaS

Gartner Security Boulevard - February 28, 2019

Last spring we covered how biometric authentication was finally starting to take hold, sharing how a pair of studies from the Center for Identity at The University of Texas at Austin found consumer favorability toward biometrics to be growing. Well, that favorability is now spilling over into the enterprise market.

How AI Can Help Stop Cyberattacks

The Wall Street Journal - September 18, 2018

As corporations struggle to fight off hackers and contain data breaches, some are looking to artificial intelligence for a solution.

They’re using machine learning to sort through millions of malware files, searching for common characteristics that will help them identify new attacks. They’re analyzing people’s voices, fingerprints and typing styles to make sure that only authorized users get into their systems. And they’re hunting for clues to figure out who launched cyberattacks—and make sure they can’t do it again.

New on Parents’ To-Do List: Checking Children’s Credit History

Wall Street Journal - August 28, 2018

Parents have a new item to add to their financial to-do list: checking their child’s credit history.

A new federal law going into effect in September will make it easier for families to combat a growing problem of identity fraud of minors, allowing them to make inquiries about credit files in there child's name and freeze them at no cost.

Study Highlights Emotional Impact of Identity Theft

Find Biometrics - August 27, 2018

People don’t like having their identities stolen. That’s the key takeaway from new research from the University of Texas at Austin Center for Identity.

University of Texas at Austin Center for Identity releases identity theft report

Biometric Update - August 27, 2018

The University of Texas at Austin Center for Identity today announced that it has released a research report titled, the 2018 Identity Theft Assessment and Prediction Report, which sheds new light on the considerable emotional impact on victims of identity theft, fraud, and abuse.

Research from The University of Texas at Austin Center for Identity Highlights the Emotional Distress Related to Identity Theft, Fraud, and Abuse

UT Press Release - August 8, 2018

The report, including statistics from more than 6,000 cases of identity theft and other identity-related crimes that were recorded throughout the 16 critical infrastructure sectors of the Department of Homeland Security, adds considerable insight to the relationship between the different types of identity theft and their varied impact on victims. The

Biometrics (finally) gaining widespread acceptance

DCX.Technology - July 30, 2018

It seems biometrics, at least certain types, are growing more popular among consumers. According to the findings from a pair of reports from the Center for Identity at The University of Texas at Austin, people are most comfortable with fingerprint biometrics, compared to other types of biometrics such as face, eye, and voice.

Analog Identity Theft is a Bigger Problem than Digital Identity Theft

Fraud Fighter - June 19, 2018

The impact of identity theft – It’s not just about the money

New Data Security - June 11, 2018

The Center for Identity at the University of Texas, has observed 5,398 cases of identity theft, fraud and abuse in the U.S. since the year 2000. The majority of those cases occurred in the states of California, New York, Florida, and Texas according to the University’s ITAP report 2018. And, unlike what most would think, losing money is not what hurts victims the most.

Biometrics: vast scope of practical applications and prospects

Medium - June 4, 2018

Having surveyed 1000 individuals, on May 10th the Center for Identity at the University of Texas stated that public is comparatively positive about the technology. Nearly 68% of respondents were quite comfortable with giving biometric information to an organization. However, their comfort level varied depending on the type of information given. Individuals tended to have the most positive attitude to fingerprint scans as 58% of interviewed were very comfortable with them.

Public embraces biometrics but with reservations

Meritalk.com - May 21, 2018

A new study finds that the public is warming up to the use of biometric identification technology, but remains wary of tracking applications and is looking to government to set standards in that area.

Report shows consumer comfort with biometrics increasing but uneven

Biometric Update.com - May 21, 2018

A solid majority of U.S. consumers are very comfortable with fingerprint biometrics, but other modalities are only as comfortable for between 32 and 40 percent, according to a two-part report on biometric authentication by the Center for Identity at The University of Texas at Austin.

This 'old-fashioned' identity theft is just as dangerous as the cyber kind

CNBC.com - May 15, 2018

Hackers aren't your only risk when it comes to identity theft and fraud. 53 percent of thefts of consumers' identity data are "non-digital," meaning they don't involve — or at least, don't start with — the thief exploiting some cyber vulnerability. That includes physical theft like a stolen laptop or mail, and insider theft, where family members and and employees at companies where you do business exploit their access

New Survey on Biometric Technology Shows Consumers Are OK With Some Forms and Wary of Others

UT News - May 4, 2018

Consumers feel more comfortable with fingerprint scanning than with other types of biometric technology, including face, eye, voice and other biometric measurements, according to a survey from the Center for Identity at The University of Texas at Austin.

Austin security company, UT partner to protect personal info

KEYE - CBS Austin - December 4, 2017

With data breaches on the rise, a partnership in Austin is looking at the best ways to secure personal information. The technology could make physical credit cards and driver's licenses a thing of the past.

Nondigital, Analog Theft is Main Driver in Identity-Related Crimes, New Report Finds

UT News - December 4, 2017

Although identity theft is frequently associated with mega-data breaches such as the Target breach in 2013, new research from the Center for Identity at The University of Texas at Austin has found that old-fashioned “analog” theft is the major driver in identity-related crimes.

How Social Security numbers became skeleton keys for fraudsters

CSM Passcode - November 21, 2016

The Social Security number is overused and abused by hospitals, banks, and even retailers, putting millions of Americans at risk of identity theft. But experts say it doesn't have to be this way.

How the Secret Service is fighting identity theft

Medium.com - July 28, 2016

Identity theft grew from one million victims to 17.7 million between 2012 and 2014 — but not all of it is happening online.

Tips to Keep Your Uber Account Secure

KEYE - January 20, 2016

Stolen Uber accounts are now worth more than stolen credit card accounts, according to a newly-released report by security company Trend Micro.

UT launches new master's program to combat identity theft, fraud

KEYE - December 28, 2015

They come from across the country and in some form work in the identity management and security industry. But today, they're students at the University of Texas at Austin.

A guide to protecting your child's personal data on the Internet

The Daily Dot - December 8, 2015

Keeping your kids safe on the Internet used to be as simple as installing SafeSearch and keeping the computer in the living room. Not anymore.

Barber: The link between identity theft and terrorism

Austin American-Statesman - December 1, 2015

The ability of terrorists to steal or falsify identities is a major weakness in U.S. counterterrorism efforts.

Getting a ton of Facebook friend requests? Hang tight.

KVUE - November 25, 2015

In the light of a recent increase in Facebook identity theft scams, the Center offers advice to users of the social media platform on how to stay safe.

University of Texas offers master’s in identity management

SecureIDNews - September 8, 2015

Security and identity management are intertwining for an advanced degree program at The University of Texas at Austin. The new master’s program is being touted as the first of its kind.

UT Austin creates graduate degree in identity and security

SecureID News - May 29, 2015

A new Master’s degree program, touted as the first of its kind in the country, will launch at the University of Texas in Austin next spring.

What are websites doing with your personal information?

The Examiner (“that scrappy little paper from Southeast Texas") - May 21, 2015

You have likely noticed that the banner ads and other forms of advertisements on many of the webpages you visit appear to “coincidently” be for many of the same items that you have recently searched for online.

This Browser Extension Tells You Where Your Information Is Going

Texas Standard - May 15, 2015

Omar Gallaga talks about a new free privacy application and the first video project to come out of the Denius-Sams Gaming Academy.

UT launches new identity security masters program

Austin Business Journal - May 15, 2015

The University of Texas at Austin will launch a new master’s degree program for identity management and security starting in 2016, the university announced Thursday.

How much is your identity worth?

ACFE Insights - May 15, 2015

Recently, I attended the ID360 conference in Austin, which was presented by the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Identity.

Don't Open That Attachment! Most People Can't Tell the Difference Between Real Emails and Phishing Attempts

Digital Trends - May 13, 2015

Nearly 80 percent of people cannot discern a phishing email from a legitimate email, according to a new survey conducted by Intel Security.

UT ‘PrivacyCheck’ tool scores how websites use your data

Austin-American Statesman - May 11, 2015

Websites are constantly collecting data about you, the web surfer, without your knowledge.

Identity Verification in a Digital Age: The Implications for Banking

Zoot Blog - May 8, 2015

A fascinating conversation I had with a millennial at ID360, an identity conference sponsored by the University of Texas Center for Identity, has me wondering about the future of identity and the future of our nation.

Police: Woman arrested had ID information of 57 different people

KXAN - May 6, 2015

Pflugerville police arrested a woman who they say had more than 50 people’s identifying information in a purse, including debit cards, checks, mail and property tax information.

Exploring the identity economy: From the black market to the consumer protection boom

Christian Science Monitor's Passcode - May 6, 2015

Passcode produced this package of stories as the exclusive media partner for the ID360 conference on the identity economy, hosted by the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Identity.

Privacy, Pinterest, Periscope, More: Fat Wednesday Buzz

ResearchBuzz - May 6, 2015

Now available for Chrome: a tool to analyze privacy policies.

Center for Identity releases new browser extension to simplify terms of agreement contracts

Individual.com - May 6, 2015

Long paragraphs of borderline incomprehensible text in online terms of agreement contracts will soon be slightly easier to read, thanks to UT's Center for Identity.

University of Texas: Identity theft happens every 2 seconds

KXAN - May 5, 2015

The warnings about providing too much personal information online have been around for years. Still, identity theft happens every two seconds, according to the Center for Identity at the University of Texas.

ID360 forum to focus on economic matters related to identity, cybersecurity and personal information

Biometric Update - May 4, 2015

The Center for Identity at The University of Texas announced it will host the fifth annual ID360: The Global Forum on Identity 2015 conference on May 5-6 at the Hilton Austin.

Child ID Thefts On The Rise Amid ‘Data Breach Apathy’

KXAN - April 29, 2015

Children remain the most vulnerable targets for thieves looking to cash in on stolen Social Security numbers, according to researchers at the University of Texas Center for Identity.

Free Tax Help, Abbot Hopes to Reduces Taxes

KEYE-TV - April 15, 2015

Thousands of people rushed to fill out tax forms Wednesday wit the help of some free services as Texas Governor Greg Abbott plans to reduce taxes on businesses.

ID thieves steal tax refunds

KXAN - April 12, 2015

Tax filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15, but if you’re anxiously awaiting a refund, beware. An identity thief may have beaten you to it.

Small-business owners train to prevent data breaches, cyberattacks

Austin-American Statesman - April 3, 2015

More than 70 percent of data breaches target small businesses and more than half occur in companies with fewer than 1,000 employees, University of Texas officials with the Center for Identity said Friday.

CASA Tosses Sensitive Data

Time Warner Cable News - March 31, 2015

Local dumpster diver and security specialist Matt Malone was looking through a Central Austin dumpster this weekend when he noticed something odd.

What we learned about security and privacy at SXSW

Christian Science Monitor's Passcode - March 19, 2015

Passcode went on the road to South By Southwest Interactive, the annual gathering of digerati in Austin, Texas.

6 steps to protect a very small business from ID theft

CreditCards.com - March 9, 2015

For the self-employed and owners of very small businesses, whose time and energies are devoted to growing the company, data security often falls in priority.

Meet Passcode's Influencers

Christian Science Monitor - February 17, 2015

Big thinkers vote on the most critical issues in security and privacy.

MorphoTrust, Confyrm, GSMA detail NSTIC pilots

SecureID News - February 15, 2015

The U.S. Department of Commerce last year announced three pilots in support of the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC).

Protecting Your Home From ‘Smart” Home Hackers

KEYE TV - February 12, 2015

With more people upgrading their homes to smart electronics, experts warn there's the possibility thieves could access your personal information through your phone.

Former Home Depot employee admits to selling customer credit card info

Austin American Statesman - January 30, 2015

Former Home Depot employee Daniel Marquadt said he had been struggling with financial hardship and a painkiller addiction when he stole thousands of customers' credit card numbers and attempted to sell them on an online black market.

Here's how to disable location tracking on your phone

Quartz - January 20, 2015

Imagine finding yourself on a solo road trip into the wilderness. This storied form of adventure—the form of Alec Dunbar's travels in The Vanishing Game—is exhilarating in part due to the associated risks and potential hazards. Envision traversing unknown parts, and the situation suddenly becoming precarious.

The Age of the Data Breach: A Plan for CEOs

Texas CEO Magazine - January 17, 2015

It's hard to turn on the news these days without hearing of some kind of data breach. As lawmakers and the media's attention to security grows, so does the impact of data breaches on those at the leadership level of businesses.

Avoid using debit cards this holiday season

Austin-American Statesman - November 26, 2014

For many of us, the Friday after Thanksgiving means shopping. But this year, leave your debit card at home.

Gallaga: How to be a ghost (online)

Austin-American Statesman - October 27, 2014

Lately, anonymous has gotten a bad rap. Not Anonymous, the intimidating online network of Guy Fawkes mask-wearing hacktivists. I mean the concept of anonymity online.

Credit card companies making strides in security

KXAN - October 26, 2014

With more companies falling victim to data breaches, credit card companies are issuing cards with more advanced security to keep customers' information safe. Those cards are equipped with something called EMV technology- or better known as a microprocessor chip.

Game On Austin: The Austin Chronicle and SXSW Gaming show off Austin's gaming bounty

The Austin Chronicle - October 24, 2014

Do you know where your favorite video game was made? The U.S. of A.? The great state of Texas?

Online resource IDWise beats back cybercrimes

Herald Democrat - October 17, 2014

With the recent hackings of Home Depot, Albertsons and perhaps most notoriously the Target hacking last holiday season, U.S. consumers are aware now more than ever that every day their identities are at risk.

App Developed at UT Austin Will Educate Kids on ID Theft

CBS Radio San Antonio - October 9, 2014

The group at the biggest risk for identity theft today is children, with their spotless credit histories, their love for computers, and their lack of basic knowledge about what information not to provide to others on line.

UT desarrolla sistema para evitar el robo de identidad

Univision 64 - October 9, 2014

North Carolina to Pilot Secure Electronic ID

Government Technology - October 8, 2014

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded the North Carolina Departments of Transportation and Health and Human Services a pilot grant to create an electronic ID (eID) intended to operate with the same security and privacy online as driver licenses and state-issued IDs do in person.

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