"And how does the bank respond? It orders all its branches not to transmit customers' personal information by fax machine..." The tone of that sentence is critical, but isn't that the smart thing to do? Faxes have NEVER been a secure method of transmitting information. In fact, they are just about the most insecure method conceivable. The CIBC is taking the rap for what I have no doubt happens in every business, organization, and government institution in this country: "I sent you a fax, did you get it?" "No." "OK, I'll send it again." No one ever thinks to wonder where the first fax went; in whose hands it might be, and what that person might be doing with the information. When you make a phone call, if you misdial you are alerted to the problem before you disclose information. When you send information via email, the chances of it reaching anyone other than the intended recipient are remote; if you type the address incorrectly, it bounces back to you. Return receipts can be easily set up, so that you get notified of the recipient's receipt of the message. Online forms (on Web pages) can be made secure. Why are any of us still using fax machines at all?