Identity theft is the theft of the credentials that we use to do business. When access controls are inadequate, the credentials that people use to authenticate to their credit card companies, banks or shopping sites may be disclosed to the wrong people. In addition, thieves have developed many ways to use e-mail and the Internet to collect this information.

Once perpetrators have the information they can use it as if they were the victim, running up credit card debt, or taking money out of bank accounts or investment savings.