Dynaverse.net
Off Topic => Ten Forward => Topic started by: Nemesis on July 11, 2004, 11:34:31 am
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The IPod - Tool for corporate espionage. (http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/TechNews/BizTech/2004/07/09/533573.html)
iPod could be a security hazard
By MATTHEW FORDAHL
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Companies beware: Critical corporate data might be dancing out of the office with workers who bring their iPods to work.
The research firm Gartner Inc. warns of security risks posed by the popular music player and other portable storage devices that plug into a PC's USB or FireWire ports. The iPod, like the rest, can hold data in addition to tunes.
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The concern is valid, although they highlighted the popular iPod to get more press....
Flash sticks and other plug & run devices have our security guys worried. They are trying the latest "security-fix": a flash stick that reads your thumbprint and is only accessible after a 12-point fingerprint match.
I think it's all silly.
It is simply impossible to stop critical data from walking out the door if people are determined: burned CDs, paper docs in your briefcase, etc.
I had the unpleasant duty to check the outgoing office boxes of an acquaintance who had quit. He was grinning the whole time. The guy was not stupid: he knew he was quitting months before and no doubt had already stolen all he wanted to earlier.
The best defense? A good offense.
Someone uses IP or knowledge they stole from a former employer?
Sue their ass...