FTC Slams Security Firm That Lost Customer Data
from the burn dept
Remember Guidance Software, the security firm that helps companies identify when a hacker has compromised their systems, but then proceeded to lose data on their own customers? It's finally settled with the FTC, for in the government's words it failed to, "...implement simple, inexpensive and readily available security measures to protect consumers' data. In contrast to claims about data security made on Guidance's Web site, the company created unnecessary risks to credit card information by permanently storing it in clear readable text." So basically, it was total negligence from a company that should have known much better. For most companies, one data breach probably wouldn't damage their reputation too much, but when it's so closely related to your company's mission, and you've received such a harsh rebuke from the FTC, it's hard to see their reputation not taking a hit.
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Kinda like hiring a body guard who ends up shooting you.
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It was funny
Since they hadn't sent cards in the past, I'm thinking they sent the holiday cards after they knew about the break in, and that was kind of uncool. I should have received notification ASAP.
Actually, they should have used BASIC security like, y'know, not putting credit card numbers and passwords on an Internet connected machine. Sheesh.
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Take a Hit?
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