In the past 16 months, we have seen more than 100 data breaches from companies, government agencies and universities, among others, according to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. The fact that the most recent privacy data breaches were due to stolen laptops from locked cars is a caution for managing the custody of newer, smaller, more powerful devices.

Security will be tested, privacy violated and trust fleeting as new products entice and satisfy eager consumers poised to embrace the newest advance. The next generation of networked devices that fit in the palm of your hand will put sensitive data -- data about you -- in more places, more quickly than ever before.

At the same time, we already see identity theft, data breaches, phishing, online fraud lurking and striking, exacting a hefty price. The Federal Trade Commission says identity theft alone costs consumers $5 billion and an additional $48 billion for business and financial institutions.

It is tough to build trust when you are on the wrong side of the moat. So what's to be done?

First, admit that it is a shared problem, not just the consumer, just business or just the government.

Second, take advantage of the robust solutions built around security that best fit your life.

Third, make sure you understand what information you are offering and for what purpose. A mailing address for a package ordered from an online catalog does not mean you are willing to be marketed to -- or does it? Know.

There is a growing group of business executives responsible for managing customer data use. In fact, I am on the board of one, the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Our commitment to customers and colleagues is to identify and prevent problems from arising so that trust can take hold.

Fourth, encourage elected officials to strengthen protections. For example, national privacy legislation has gained attention after support from business and a national ``breach notification'' standard is under consideration. Let those who represent you know your view.

Fifth, keep current, not necessarily with the latest gadgets and games, but with the tools and practices that can protect you from problems that might arise.

There will be a chance to do just that later this month when, under the auspices of the Commonwealth Club of Silicon Valley, folks from Google, Microsoft, Visa International and the state of California will try to draw a map of the current digital world and identify the threats we face.

The privacy community recognizes the urgent need to build consumer trust by being open, clear and responsible for our data security practices. Those of us committed to privacy protection understand that the continued growth and success of our information economy is dependent on this effort.

Applied and breakthrough innovation may be stunted or stalled in the lab if we are unable to defeat the current threats and stay ahead of what lies ahead. What you should ask of us is that we devote as much creativity and expertise to better protect your personal and sensitive data as we apply to creating the new technology products and services that we hope will drive our success.

Privacy discussion

The Commonwealth Club of Silicon Valley will host a panel discussion on ``Protecting Privacy in a Connected World'' at 7 p.m., Thursday at the Computer History Museum, 401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View. Representatives from Google, Microsoft, Visa International and the state of California will debate how consumers, industry leaders and policy-makers can balance personal privacy, security and technological innovation. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members.

For more information and reservations, go to www.commonwealthclub.org/sv.html.