In rush to protect computer files, old-fashioned file cabinets are an open invitation to data thieves.(Headline)

The common notion is that identity theft is a crime committed by computer hackers who steal information via the Internet. The reality is that a lot of information is stolen from unsecured fries and paperwork. The source of the crime is often corporations; small businesses and other organizations that hold sensitive data on file. The perpetrators are often company employees.

Sensitive data that is easily accessible is vulnerable. Often, money and effort is being poured into locking up computers, while old-fashioned file cabinets are being left virtually wide open. Private information about you is collected and stored by a wide variety of businesses and organizations from your children's school to your doctor's office--even your auto mechanic. More often than not, these businesses do not employ any security methods to protect that data.

The problem is that sensitive information must be collected, stored and accessed, often by multiple individuals in an ongoing manner. There are five common mistakes companies make when storing and using private data:

1. No security at all. This is much more common than you might think. Any business that operates like this is wide open to lawsuits and ...