Bits and Bytes – Blurbs Concerning Information Security
Jayson Harris of Davenport, Iowa was sentenced to 21 months in prison for his phishing expedition. We have followed his case since his arrest. You may remember that he used a fake MSN e-mail to convince people to reveal their personal information. The scam was foiled when the mother of a Microsoft employee forwarded the e-mail to her son. Microsoft sued Harris and won a large financial judgment. This should be the last we hear from Harris for at least a while.
Old Mutual Capital, Inc. reported the theft of a laptop computer placing 6,500 investors’ personal information at risk. Account numbers and Social Security Numbers are included in the data on the equipment. Just another shining example of being able to learn from the unfortunate experiences of our competitors. In 2006, Ameriprise and Fidelity have both reported stolen units. Recommendations have been made, but companies are either not implementing or adhering to security policies.
Barely two months after the loss of computer equipment containing personal information on 26.5 million veterans, the Veteran’s Administration reported the loss of another portable device. Data in the latest event was not encrypted or password protected. The government agency did announce afterward that they will encrypt information in the future. This embarrassment is a glaring example of your tax dollars at work.
A new phone scam is making the rounds. The caller claims that Medicare is issuing new cards and the operator must confirm your personal information. The potential thief then asks for your Social Security Number, name and address. Should you receive such a call, simply hang up MEDICARE IS NOT ISSUING NEW CARDS!
Vanguard is implementing technology that is being used by some of the largest banks. The investment company is beginning to track the habits of its online customers to detect fraudulent or suspicious activity. Banks are required to implement such tactical measures by the end of the year, but no such demand is made of investment companies. I applaud Vanguard for its proactive action.
Old Mutual Capital, Inc. reported the theft of a laptop computer placing 6,500 investors’ personal information at risk. Account numbers and Social Security Numbers are included in the data on the equipment. Just another shining example of being able to learn from the unfortunate experiences of our competitors. In 2006, Ameriprise and Fidelity have both reported stolen units. Recommendations have been made, but companies are either not implementing or adhering to security policies.
Barely two months after the loss of computer equipment containing personal information on 26.5 million veterans, the Veteran’s Administration reported the loss of another portable device. Data in the latest event was not encrypted or password protected. The government agency did announce afterward that they will encrypt information in the future. This embarrassment is a glaring example of your tax dollars at work.
A new phone scam is making the rounds. The caller claims that Medicare is issuing new cards and the operator must confirm your personal information. The potential thief then asks for your Social Security Number, name and address. Should you receive such a call, simply hang up MEDICARE IS NOT ISSUING NEW CARDS!
Vanguard is implementing technology that is being used by some of the largest banks. The investment company is beginning to track the habits of its online customers to detect fraudulent or suspicious activity. Banks are required to implement such tactical measures by the end of the year, but no such demand is made of investment companies. I applaud Vanguard for its proactive action.
posted by skgroner | 1:44 PM
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