Concerns over identity theft, security breaches and other issues facing today’s businesses have made many people wonder about their business’ security posture. In a world where personal information travels around the world in seconds, it’s not surprising that corporations are scrambling to find ways to protect themselves from hackers. While identity theft is a big concern, business espionage has been an issue since businesses first started trading. Today, however, concerns over business spyware and other tactics used to steal business information are more acute.
Identity theft is largely a problem for businesses based in the U.S. and Western Europe. Corporate insiders say it is worse in the U.S. because its regulations regarding privacy have been much weaker than those in Europe, which allows thieves easier access to company data. One of the most common types of commercial espionage against businesses is data theft from employee laptops. The laptops contain the business owner’s confidential data, including client records, financial statements and board memberships. Some companies use laptop scanners to scan company laptops for any password that might be useful in accessing proprietary data.
Computer spyware and other tactics used to steal business data have also been quite effective. For example, data theft from employees using work software programs like spreadsheets, word-processors and remote access programs may not get detected by the company’s anti-spyware software, leaving them in place. Employees also can use company-provided email as a means to disguise their activities, since emails are the primary channel of communication between workers. These electronic documents contain vital information that thieves can easily pilfer. In addition to stealing company information, some spyware programs can infect a computer’s hard drive, which can be used to run various malicious programs.
Concerns about identity theft and business espionage are nothing new, but they have grown in recent years due to new technologies that make it easier for thieves to obtain data. Traditional firewalls and antivirus software may not be as effective as they once were. Additionally, there are concerns that hackers can use their access to company networks to gain access to bank accounts and even set up fraudulent accounts in the name of the victim. Identity theft is a very real concern and should not be taken lightly.
Computers have become integral parts of many businesses, but they can be vulnerable to problems. Unprotected computers can harbor viruses that steal confidential data or track user locations. This information can then be used to take advantage of the business owner. Security systems can prevent this from happening, but they are often not effective at preventing hackers from taking advantage of the business’s data or network. Having a data center provides an additional layer of security for business computer systems, but if the network is unprotected, then the threat of intrusions and possible theft is much greater.
Concerns about data loss and data entry have become more serious in the past few years. Identity theft and other criminal activities involving computers have resulted in billions of dollars in damages and losses. Businesses must be extremely careful with sensitive data and must regularly review computer files and records for any changes or anomalies. Data integrity is extremely important for a business to maintain its standing in the marketplace and meet its legal obligations.
