Consumer Database Company Hacked

fermion writes "The NYT(FRR) and others are reporting that a hacker has broken into a Acxiom server. Acxiom evidently is "one of the world's largest consumer database companies" and serves most top credit card companies and retail banks. There are a few items that stand out in this case. First, Acxiom had no idea that the breach occurred until the company was contacted by the police. Second, the theft was an inside job. The suspect, now in police custody, was an employee with legitimate access to the information. It amazes me that a such a company would have such lax security as to allow an insider to browse supposedly private data at will. Third, the company is taking no responsibility for the break in other than reporting it to the clients, who then may or may not inform their customers." Acxiom is a Certified Participant in the BBBOnline Privacy Program.

Comments

Re:well ....

[Rick Feynman]

Science is a lot like sex. Sometimes something useful comes of it, but that's not the reason we're doing it

like a dba??

[avandesande]

It amazes me that a such a company would have such lax security as to allow an insider to browse supposedly private data at will.

Shelbyville Bank Robbed

[DrSkwid]

There was a bank robbery in Shelbyville today when 48 year old Steve Lekowski found $10 on the floor in the rest room and instead of handing it in, he put it in his pocket.

Probably one of those warezed unixes

[stratjakt]

Would you use a homemade security system made out of string and tin cans to secure your home?

No?

Then why in the hell would anyone use a homemade, third rate, half-stolen copy of lunix to secure their data?

It's ridiculous, there ought to be a law. Once the warez rings that distribute it are brought under control, though, I'm sure the rightful owners of the code can tighten it up and sell it with some real security.