The NY State Workers Compensation Board has reported that a computer containing the personal information (including SSN) has been lost by a contractor. The missing computer was in a “Secured” facility owned by CS Stars, an information brokerage. This is getting old…really old. Back a couple months ago I received letters from Hotels.com and the VA letting me know that my info may have been compromised in their respective losses. I got both letters the same day, what a treat that was.
Something has to be done about this. Personally identifiable information is going missing on a regular basis. There seems to be no one accountable. In the military if you lose or disclose sensitive information guess what……you don’t get access to sensitive information any more. I’m not saying that would be a solution. Not really sure what I am getting at. My blood pressure jumps another 10 points every time this happens.
I saw this on the ID Theft Secrets blog, idtheftsecrets.blogspot.com You should check it out.
–Chris
Technorati Tags: ID Theft, missing computer, personal information
UPDATE: Missing PC / Laptop was found and the only explanation so far is “no comment”. The FBI is investigating. Get an update here:Â www.networkworld.com/news/2006/072606-missing-laptop-with-data-on.html?fsrc=rss-security
July 27th, 2006 at 12:56 pm
It’s our own fault these days that so many people are losing laptops or other computers. After the VA incident it seems like companies would have taken MORE precautions to protect their information, but it’s only gotten worse. Why are companies/organizations still keeping sensative information on laptops when it has been such an issue? Furthermore, why aren’t these companies ENCRYPTING, because if they did decide to encrypt all of this data we wouldn’t be having all of these problems today.
That’s a pretty bad double whammy Chris - receiving both letters in the same day. We need to help companies open their eyes to the times and start protecting their data like they mean it!
http://www.techknowbizzle.com/2006/07/you-can-do-that-concise-drm-lesson.html
July 27th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
Nathan,
Encryption is one way to help, no question. Windows has made improvements to EFS but it’s still a pain to administer / manage..at least in my opinion.
Sepaking of which, here is a good article on EFS I saw today.
http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Understanding-EFS-Windows-2003.html
–Chris
July 27th, 2006 at 7:25 pm
Thanks for the article Chris, it is true that Windows has made improvements in its EFS, however these days it seems like the use of third-party encryption software is almost mandatory.
Unless Vista makes enormous improvements in (like you said) the administration/managing tactics in its EFS, third party products are going to be absolutely neccessary if you want to be sure your files will be safe.