Securing Personal Data in Small Companies?

lohmann asks: "I was recently paying rent in my apartment office when I noticed several of the rental agents frantically shaking a nearby keyboard. Being a geek, I intervened... and plugged the mouse back in. A barrage of performance questions ensued, so I checked their system for any issues. The results were astounding: Windows 95, no firewall, no AV software, and no backup software on a machine containing thousands of individuals personal information (including mine). I ran some utilities and removed dozens of viruses and instances of spyware. I voiced my concerns over security issues, but was told that 'there is no budget for such things' and that 'we haven't had any trouble in the past.' Have any of you run across similar instances of small companies refusing to protect your data? What can I do to convince them to secure the network?"

Comments

IT for rent arrangement?

[mind21_98]

Maybe your landlord will take you on as a system administrator for their network in exchange for a reduction in your rent. Both of you will benefit, and you'll make sure your personal information doesn't fall in the wrong hands. :)

Here's what you can do...

[Spoing]

1. Find a huricaine.
2. Step outside during the hurricane.
3. Scream.

You can't protect people from themselves.

The only thing that works is mentioning that they may be liable -- they could be sued -- if they are found neglegent in not doing something to protect the data they have. Usually, this makes them concerned...and they still do nothing.

You poor USians

[samael]

If you lived in a reasonable part of the world then you could report them under Data Protection law. If only you didn't let your corporations run the country.