The breaches of the information databases and the reaction in legislation is recounted here.

A series of security break-ins is kick-starting a political drive to reshape federal laws that dictate how companies protect personal information–and what they have to do if that data leaks out.

But, lest it all seem gloomy, this reporter tosses a glimmer of light.

Another wrinkle in the political landscape is the growing reliance of federal watchdogs, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, on identity-verification services purchased from companies like ChoicePoint and Acxiom. That reliance may make the Bush administration less willing to embrace aggressive regulation in the area.