http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2008/06/10/231006/unencrypted-att-laptop-stolen-details-of-managers-pay.htm
By Antony Savvas
ComputerWeekly.com
10 June 2008
Telecoms carrier AT&T has admitted that it failed to encrypt a laptop
that was stolen, which carrying the details of managers' salaries and
other staff details.
The laptop was stolen from an employee's car last month, and the firm is
now planning to strengthen its laptop security procedures following the
theft.
Along with executive salary and bonus details - which could prove
embarrassing if posted on the web - the laptop contained Social Security
numbers and other personal details which would be useful to identity
thieves.
"The fact that it is AT&T that has encountered this problem highlights
the reality that no one is immune to being hit by a data breach that
could result in identity theft," said Michael Callahan, chief marketing
officer at laptop encryption specialist CREDANT Technologies.
"Our observations suggest that incidents like this usually result in a
significant change of policy within the company. Although this can be
interpreted as shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, a
positive change of company policy on encryption is always welcome," he
said.
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