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Our area is part of a massive identity theft case being investigated by federal authorities.

Dozens of people discovered their credit card numbers had been stolen and used across the country and the world. In light of that, local security companies are reaching out to small businesses. Though we as consumers may be at risk for hacking and identity theft, security agencies like Executive Protection Systems say employers need to be on the lookout too.

Noah White, CEO of White Properties, explained, "Employee theft is the number-one cause of identity theft in the United States."

White says, most often it's an employee stealing customers personal information. He's working to prevent that with his shredding services for businesses.

"Businesses produce a lot of documents that have consumers' information on them," White added.

Losing that information to malicious employees can cost those businesses money.

Chelsea Hesler, an insurance adviser for Winchester Group, said, "Every type of business probably keeps some sort of personal information. If that information gets out, there are fines and penalties and fees associated with that information."

This problem is why protection might be a good idea.

Hesler continued, "If you haven't spoken with an insurance agent about these things, at least open up the conversation."

Financial insurance alone may not be enough, however.

Matt Parrill, owner of Wintech, added, "Cyber attacks are not only on the rise, they're becoming much more sophisticated than they used to be."

Parrill has been dealing with viruses, malware, and hackers for 20 years. He's seen the damage that can be done.

"What you have now is the possibility of identity theft and these products are asking to bill your credit card for the cost of the fake product itself," Parrill continued.

This is why security experts are coming together at Executive Protection Systems.

Mike Guevremont, president of the company, said, "We recognized, after a variety of local incidents, that there was a lack of training that wasn't there for companies."

Their goal is to correct that lack of training.

"Part of our challenge is to help educate them and the next step after that would be to figure out what gaps they may have," Guevremont concluded.

The security experts say they're working on producing a workshop that local businesses can come to get help with cyber security. That seminar is planned for the early part of next year.

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