Bits and Bytes – Blurbs Concerning Information Security
Identity thieves used hundreds of stolen credit card numbers to buy tickets to Barbara Streisand’s latest concert tour. These tickets have been voided by the vendor, but that won’t help the people who will think the have purchased legitimate tickets. The winners here are the crooks and the losers are those who buy tickets for the performance through unauthorized sources.
A recent survey allowed some scary statistics to be released. Only 25% of companies report security breaches to law enforcement. Four of five businesses do security audits. More than half of IT shops surveyed spend two percent or less of their IT budget on security. Most companies still have to make an ROI case for expenditures. Most of the respondents, 71% do not carry cyber-security insurance.
Banks, the targets of phishing schemes are becoming a helpful partner in computer protection. Financial institutions are starting to offer security tools to their online users. Many organizations will subsidize the purchase price, encouraging customers to protect their digital assets. Depositories will be required to use two factor identification by the first of next year, which is another incentive to persuade patrons to use affiliated products. Large conglomerates are working with Internet Service Providers to develop secure access methods.
A new device can be used to test computer systems for vulnerability to hackers. The pen-sized tester can be slipped into your pocket as you walk through the target area. The object can be set to try 150 different computer exploits. This new tool is intended for corporate security teams to conduct audits, but it is available to others who are willing to pay $3,000 for it.
A second Veteran’s Administration computer containing personal information was stolen from Unisys, a contractor. The computer has been recovered and the temp who stole the unit has been charged. The government agency does not believe the thief intended to steal personal data.
A recent survey allowed some scary statistics to be released. Only 25% of companies report security breaches to law enforcement. Four of five businesses do security audits. More than half of IT shops surveyed spend two percent or less of their IT budget on security. Most companies still have to make an ROI case for expenditures. Most of the respondents, 71% do not carry cyber-security insurance.
Banks, the targets of phishing schemes are becoming a helpful partner in computer protection. Financial institutions are starting to offer security tools to their online users. Many organizations will subsidize the purchase price, encouraging customers to protect their digital assets. Depositories will be required to use two factor identification by the first of next year, which is another incentive to persuade patrons to use affiliated products. Large conglomerates are working with Internet Service Providers to develop secure access methods.
A new device can be used to test computer systems for vulnerability to hackers. The pen-sized tester can be slipped into your pocket as you walk through the target area. The object can be set to try 150 different computer exploits. This new tool is intended for corporate security teams to conduct audits, but it is available to others who are willing to pay $3,000 for it.
A second Veteran’s Administration computer containing personal information was stolen from Unisys, a contractor. The computer has been recovered and the temp who stole the unit has been charged. The government agency does not believe the thief intended to steal personal data.
posted by skgroner | 9:20 AM
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