Corporations must protect their back doors from hackers, malware, spyware and other high-tech intrusion mechanisms and protect their front door by properly storing and disposing of consumers' data, Leibowitz said, noting that the FTC is "not shy about knocking on anyone's door." Since 1999, the agency has brought a number of cases alleging that companies failed to protect data, including a settlement this month with a consumer reporting agency that failed to properly screen prospective customers and, as a result, sold at least 318 credit reports to identity thieves.

The conference runs through Tuesday. Speakers include: Martin Abrams of the Centre for Information Policy Leadership; Oracle Chief Privacy Officer Joseph Alhadeff; Accenture Data Privacy Director Bojana Bellamy; TRUSTe Chief Privacy Officer Maureen Cooney; Intel Global E-Business Counsel David Hoffman and others. Click here to view the agenda for "Securing Personal Data in the Global Economy."