The Identity Theft Council (ITC) has been chosen as Editor’s Choice within the Professional Awards of the 2011 SC Awards U.S. The award, recognizing the Identity Theft Council’s outstanding achievement in helping victims of identity theft, was announced on February 15, 2011 at the SC Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the annual RSA Conference in San Francisco.

With 31 subcategories and three major award themes – Reader Trust, Excellence and Professional – the 2011 SC Awards U.S. serves as both a benchmark and a validation for those security professionals and companies dedicated to combating today’s evolving threat landscape.

The Identity Theft Council was founded by Neal O’Farrell in 2010 as a community-based initiative that takes a grassroots approach to bring awareness and resolution to identity fraud crimes.  The ITC’s identity theft resolution counselors are local volunteers that are specifically trained to assist identity theft victims in their community. Through the ITC’s peer-to-peer education programs, it is helping tackle the problem of identity theft at every level – in the schools with its Junior Counselors program, with seniors through its partnership with the Elder Financial Protection Network (EFPN), and in the community as a whole.

The program brings together consumers of all ages, members of the community and ITC partners by connecting the dots of four core areas of education. The ITC strives to help consumers make the connection between identity theft and online privacy, financial literacy, community service, and ultimately the career and internship opportunities it could provide for younger age groups. A key component of the ITC’s mission is its Junior ITC program. The program strives to educate younger generations about the importance of identity theft awareness and protection. It helps younger consumers connect identity theft prevention with other aspects of their lives with the hope that they will become future messengers and educators about the growing threats and risks.

The winners in the Professional Awards category of the 2011 SC Awards U.S. were chosen by a panel of esteemed security professionals from the private and public sector. These individuals were hand-picked by SC Magazine’s editorial team for their information security leadership and knowledge. Through this analysis, the Identity Theft Council was determined as the winner in the Editor’s Choice Award.

“The Identity Theft Council represents one of the industry’s leading lights,” said SC Magazine Editor-in-Chief Illena Armstrong. “Moving into 2011, our judges recognize that the Identity Theft Council is helping them identify and address the emerging security issues of tomorrow.”

Now in its 14^th year as the information security industry’s most prominent accolade, the annual SC Awards showcase the best solutions, services and professionals while recognizing achievement and technical excellence. SC Magazine distinguishes the achievements of the security professionals in the trenches, the innovations happening in the vendor and service provider communities, and the passionate work of government, commercial and nonprofits – all working to help improve global security. For more information and a detailed list of categories and winners, please visit www.scmagazineus.com/awards.