Has the Data Security Problem Become an Epidemic?

telstar asks: "Lately, it seems like an almost weekly occurrence: confidential customer data is exposed online, despite the assurance that security measures were in place to prevent such a problem. ChoicePoint Inc., LexisNexis, and DSW Inc. were all victims of online security breaches. Ameritrade and Bank of America both admitted lost physical data tapes containing confidential client account information. Recently, Carnegie Mellon notified 19,000 students, alumni, faculty and staff that their confidential information may have been compromised. An April 2005 GAO report found that though the IRS is making progress fixing security holes in systems that it operates, they aren't keeping pace with new vulnerabilities, risking exposure of sensitive financial data of the taxpaying population of the country. To top things off, these are only the cases that we're aware of, which begs the question of how many security breaches have gone unnoticed, or unannounced. What about companies like Google? As they expand their service offerings with GMail and Google Search History, where they are increasingly responsible for retaining client data, will they become a bigger target for attackers? This is the problem. What is the solution? Are there any tips for people to help protect their identity and confidential financial information? What firms go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that their client data is secure?"

Comments

"begs the question"

[venomkid]

Look, I know this is OT, but I see this so often it's starting to cause me physical pain.

To top things off, these are only the cases that we're aware of, which begs the question of how many security breaches have gone unnoticed, or unannounced.

The circumstances may "raise" or "prompt" a question, but it doesn't "beg" a question. "Begging the question" is a logically fallacious practice in which one assumes one's conclusion, making a circular logic. (eg. claiming the Bible is the inerrant word of God because it says so) It has nothing to do with speculation.