Control Room: Protecting your identity in a Surveillance economy

The surveillance economy, explained

We don’t just live in a surveillance state—we live in a surveillance economy. Today, every smart device in your home, car, office, or hospital collects data. Sometimes that data makes life easier. But when it’s exposed, it can make life dangerous.

With roots in law and government, Levin became the youngest director of New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs. By the early ’90s, he saw the internet’s potential—and its risks. He helped launch Credit.com and, in 2003, founded Identity Theft 911: one of the first services to help everyday people recover from identity fraud.

Watch the full Control Room episode on YouTube to learn more.

You’re a target—even if you think you’re not

One of the biggest misconceptions is that identity thieves only go after wealthy or “important” people. That’s not true. Thieves go after scale: millions of possible victims whose data can be sold, reused, or manipulated for profit.

Every day, your data is collected by apps, social networks, retailers, and devices in your home. If that data is breached, reused, or scraped, it can become a foothold for identity crime.

Most people picture identity theft as someone charging purchases on a stolen card. But modern identity crime has evolved into a much broader threat:

• True‑name fraud: Someone pretends to be you to open accounts or take out loans.
• Medical identity theft: Your medical records or insurance benefits are misused.
• Criminal identity theft: Fraudsters give your name during an arrest or interaction with law enforcement.
• Benefits & tax fraud: Your Social Security number is used to collect unemployment or file a fake tax return.

Criminals are searching for any way to monetize your personal data—sometimes in ways that affect your credit, your health care, or your legal record.

A smarter way to fight identity theft: Minimize, monitor, manage

No one can stop every threat, but the 3Ms framework—minimize, monitor, manage—can help you take control and reduce your risk.

• Minimize your exposure: Use strong, unique passwords or a password manager. Turn on multi-factor authentication. Avoid suspicious links, attachments, and over-permissioned apps.
• Monitor for unusual activity: Check your credit reports regularly. Set up alerts for new accounts or charges. Review your medical and insurance statements for anything unfamiliar.
• Manage problems quickly: If identity theft happens, quick action matters. Services like LifeLock can help you work with banks, agencies, and credit bureaus to restore what was lost.

Staying alert and informed won’t stop every attempt—but it can stop a bad day from becoming a disaster.

Don't miss Adam Levin on Control Room

Catch Control Room on the LifeLock YouTube channel. Be sure to tune in and watch cybersecurity expert Adam Levin to discover what small steps you can take to help prevent identity theft.