I don't think that you should have to wait until after your identity has been compromised to do something.

I guarantee you at one point in your life, you have given up all of your privacy for 10 percent off at a shoe store, or hardware store or to get a credit card for some type of purchase. You have given up your name, your address, your phone number and your Social Security number for 10 percent off.

That's astounding. If you're in business, like we all are, you know that for a direct mailing, you're lucky to get a half-percent return. They are getting a 5 percent return.

It is vital that consumers take the initiative to protect their identity. Something as simple as shredding your unneeded personal documents, instead of throwing them in the garbage, can truly make a difference in protecting yourself from identity theft.

The weakest link in the chain are your clients.

Privacy is an illusion. Privacy doesn't exist, and it hasn't existed for quite a long time.

What is a solution today might not be a solution tomorrow, but you need to start paying close attention to it.

There is a serious disconnect between the issue at hand and the banking industry. I don't think they realize just how much the consumer needs to be informed.