| In fraud fight, banks play priceless role
When it comes to protecting you against identity theft and fraud, banks occupy a unique position of influence. They're the central depository for consumers' money and sensitive personal information. Get hold of someone's monthly bank statement and you've got a ton of valuable data. As heavily regulated as banks are, consumers should expect that their financial institution does more than any other business to guard their personal data. An annual study by Javelin Strategy and Research finds that although banks are doing a fairly good job at helping customers resolve identity theft and fraud cases, they need to make the customer more of a partner in a joint battle against crooks. "Banks and credit unions do a great job behind the scenes – total fraud dropped last year from $55.7 billion to $49.3 billion – but this report shows where they can enlist a willing customer base to do even better," said this month's report by Pleasanton, Calif.-based Javelin, which provides research on financial services topics.
DataPlay Takes Leadership Role in TCG's New Optical Storage Subgroup
LONGMONT, Colo., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- DPHI, Inc. / DataPlay, a leader in advanced optical storage solutions, announced today its leadership of the Optical Storage Subgroup (OSS) within Trusted Computing Group's Storage Work Group (SWG). In this role, DataPlay will help set the design for the world's first optical burner to support Trusted Computing Group's storage specification. "We are pleased to contribute to the Trusted Computing Group and its Storage Work Group. There is a large market opportunity for a 'trusted optical drive,' which will serve as a remedy for data loss and identity theft. In a 2006 study conducted by Ponemon Institute LLC, 81% of companies it surveyed had lost one or more laptop computers containing sensitive information. A related study by the same group found 74% of organizations that experienced a data breach lost customers.
By Jon Stewart News-Post Staff
Government and private industry are helping consumers and businesses responsibly dispose of those outdated or inoperable electronic goodies. Eliminating electronic devices is critical: sensitive information can be retrieved off hard drives, even if it's deleted and cannot be viewed by the user. Also, improper disposal can leach toxic elements from electronic devices into the soil. Handling these elements is dangerous for humans. "There are dangers of identity theft if electronic devices are not disposed of properly," said Lisa Collins, sales and marketing manager for Global Investment Recovery Inc., a nationwide electronics recycling company. Collins operates out of her Frederick home and travels frequently, giving seminars to interested groups and potential clients.
Ahwatukee Foothills hosts forum on crime
A meeting meant to help residents learn about crime and fraud prevention turned into a tough questions-and-answers session for Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard and other Phoenix officials Monday night in Ahwatukee Foothills. About 100 residents came to the meeting at the Desert Vista High School cafeteria armed with tough questions for Goddard, who was joined on a panel by Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris and Phoenix City Councilman Greg Stanton. Goddard opened the meeting saying he wanted special emphasis to be put on prevention of crime and fraud, and discussed topics such as identity theft and consumer fraud. Harris and Stanton also addressed the group briefly, discussing topics such as methamphetamine abuse, gang activity and the future of the police presence in Ahwatukee Foothills.
Identity theft to be discussed at TSTC forum
Identity theft is a growing problem and it can happen even in Sweetwater.Texas National Bank and Texas State Technical College are teaming up to help local residents learn just a little bit about the problems of identity theft and fraud. On Tuesday, Dec. 4, a "Fraud Awareness Forum" will be held at The Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. in order for residents to learn just a little bit about the growing problem. An expert will lead the forum, which is free to the public, and will discuss some of the current scams that are taking place, not only in West Texas, but the world. "It is really easy to get wrapped into," said Texas National Bank spokesman Chris Casto. Casto, who spoke to the Sweetwater Lions Club recently about identity theft concerns, said he hopes the forum will turn into a classic discussion of what people are concerned about.
Who’s Watching You?
Rochester, N.Y.) - New charges could be filed later this week against a man who set up hidden cameras in the women's restroom where he worked in Newark.Jeffrey Kriner was arrested after his landlord discovered boxes of video tapes in the basement.Surveillance Devices In the hands of investigators, small surveillance devices help catch drug dealers, thieves, and vandals. These tiny cameras are easily available to anyone on the Internet. The tiny camera, smaller than a quarter, is linked to a wireless transmitter. The lens opening is the size of a pencil point. A private investigator “John" said, “You could hide it behind just about anything."We conceal John's real identity because he's working undercover. He said 99 of mini-cams are used for theft prevention."Trying to watch the nanny or cleaning lady. No one comes and says they're going to hook up a camera in a shower," he said.There is also a device you can use to find a mini cam.
Ideas in Motion: Anthony Munns Assesses Risk and Rewards
It's a pressure-packed meeting and the business executives are worried. With the daily newspapers and talk shows full of news on yet another security breach and identity theft incident, the higher-ups are trying to figure out how to protect their data and systems. More importantly, they want to ensure their technology and supporting information provides the necessary and much-needed peace of mind they must have for their customers and themselves.
As the group surmises its present processes won't get the job done, they realize they need help. That's where Anthony J. Munns, CISA, CIRM, CPIM, comes in.
Munns is head of the Risk Management Services practice for Brown Smith Wallace, LLC in St. Louis, Mo., where he performs IT audit, security, HIPAA implementation services and technology attest reviews, including SAS 70 reviews.
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