SecuritySense! Data Leaks, Stolen Data and Cyber Robbery!

Survey: Data Leaks Are Top Concern Data leaks are becoming a leading source of headaches for U.S., UK, German, and Japanese companies, according to new research. The study found that the loss of proprietary company data and information was ranked as the second most serious threat at work, following viruses. It was considered more serious than threats such as spam, spyware, and phishing. While 6% of end users admitted to having leaked company information, 16% said they believe other employees have caused leaks. U.S. workers seem to believe they're slightly savvier when it comes to confidentiality: 74% said they know what type of company data is confidential and proprietary, compared with 67% in the UK, 68% in Germany, and only 40% in Japan. Stolen Tape Puts Employee Data at Risk Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. has confirmed that a nonencrypted backup tape containing the personal data of current and former employees and their dependents was stolen in June from a delivery truck carrying the device. A spokeswoman said the pharmaceutical company has begun notifying current, former, and retired employees by mail about the missing backup tape. Bristol-Myers would not disclose how many people are affected by the breach. However, according to a security breach notification letter sent by the company to the New Hampshire Attorney General's office, the personal data of 458 residents of that state alone was stored on the stolen tape. Cyber Bank Robbers Hit Online Accounts A ring of cyber bank robbers from southern Russia has quietly perfected a way to get a stronghold inside company networks. Once inside, the gang infects every PC within reach with a custom-made data-stealing program called Coreflood. The goal is to rip off bank accounts online. Over the past 16 months, the Coreflood Gang has infected swaths of PCs inside thousands of companies, hospitals, universities, and government agencies, analysts say. Coreflood is an example of a "banking trojan" designed to help crooks break into bank accounts online. The number of banking trojans has skyrocketed 800% in recent months. If you would like to print and distribute this article, a printable version is attached below. National Security Institute, Inc.