computer security

This piece of laptop security advice from Lifehacker is a well written, easy to understand (for non-geeks too) list of how to keep your data safe. It also gives you tips on how to track down your computer if the worst should happen.

lifehacker, laptop, security

Benjamin Wright posted a comment about TJX case been an over reaction. He has also posted on this on his own blog.

First things first: let me welcome you to the blogosphere! Taking your expertise as a laywer, I probably should just shut up and not start to argue, but then again, what is the point of a discussion if we cannot share our opinions?

To you comment, I do not agree that there has been an over reaction. I think this depends on your point of view. If you consider only the known theft of money, you might be right.

However, if you consider the theft of privacy, the costs related to renewing CCs and the potential threat to the CC holder, I think the reactions so far has been anything but over reaction. I also think it is necessary to consider the time frame of the attack - this went on for quite a while, and I think it is important to consider that this was an important "wake-up" call to many shops.

You say that the Credit card issuers over reacted. I disagree. Their alternatives where:

• say nothing (and wait for the press to find out...ticking, expensive bomb)
• say "your credit card info is just lost, but hey, who cares? It is way too expensive to issue a new card" (and wait for customer to yell, call the press and cancel their cards manually; adding potential expensive law suits to the cost)
• do as they did - cancel all cards, issue new ones. High initial cost, but low cost & risk in the long run. Just imagine the cost of loosing the trust of the credit card user...

The TJX case, one of the largest ID- and CC-theft cases so far, has finally gone to court.

The Feds rolled up a large, international circle of criminals who are charged for hacking their way to access a wide array of personal data. According to Attorney General Michael Mukasey, this is the single largest and most complex identity theft case that's ever been charged in the US.

Companies that got hacked include major brands like the OfficeMax, Barnes & Noble, Boston Market, Sports Authority, Forever 21, DSW, BJ's Wholesale Club and TJX Companies.

"They used sophisticated computer hacking techniques that would allow them to breach security systems and then install computer programs that gathered enormous quantities of personal financial data, which they then allegedly either sold to others or used themselves," Mukasey said. "They caused widespread losses by banks, retailers and customers."

The TJX Senior Vice President Sherry Lang ensures that TJX has gone a long way in order to assist the investigation:

"With our customers always being our primary focus, TJX has gone to great lengths to secure its customers' data," Lang said. "However, broader action beyond retailers alone is required to protect consumer data. Banks and the U.S. payment card industry must join retailers and work together, including installing the proven card security measures in the U.S. that are already in use throughout much of the rest of the world."

I like Lang's request - there is no doubt in my mind that the more we integrate and consolidate technology, solutions and tools - into what we consider efficient communication - the easier it is to exploit those tools. Remember - a few years back, you had to hack into each shop. A little later, you could reach the HQ, as the shops started to interconnect. Today, you can reach almost anything, anywhere - just using your brains and a computer.

Compliance is one thing that may help, better understanding of the technology and it's potential is equally important. From a business point of view, I think it is very important to consider the upside of adopting new (young) technology against the potential damage the new technology may inflict.

I am looking forward to following this case!

Other TJX related information

• TJX – you have done a great job!

• TJX gives CC advice to their customers!!!

• TJX update and "How it was done"
  

• TJX economics - the price it is easy to calculate
  

• TJX - the Wall Street Journal article
  

• All posts tagged: TJX