The specific recommendations outlined in the strategic plan -- from broad policy changes to small steps -- include the following:

* Reduce the unnecessary use of Social Security numbers by federal agencies, the most valuable commodity for an identity thief;
* Establish national standards that require private sector entities to safeguard the personal data they compile and maintain and to provide notice to consumers when a breach occurs that poses a significant risk of identity theft;
* Implement a broad, sustained awareness campaign by federal agencies to educate consumers, the private sector and the public sector on methods to deter, detect and defend against identity theft; and
* Create a National Identity Theft Law Enforcement Center to allow law enforcement agencies to coordinate their efforts and information more efficiently, and investigate and prosecute identity thieves more effectively.