Archive for December, 2007

UK Imposes Record Fine of $2.54 Million Against Life Insurance Company For Poor Information Security & Privacy Practices

Sunday, December 30th, 2007

On December 17, 2007 the United Kingdom Financial Services Authority (FSA) fined Norwich Union Life £1.26 million ($2.54 million) for poor information security, privacy and anti-fraud mitigation systems and controls.

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New U.S. Law Effective Jan 1 Prohibits Lithium Batteries In Checked Luggage

Friday, December 28th, 2007

I like to carry extra laptop and cell phone batteries with me when I travel for more than a couple of days at a time, especially if going outside the country. I fried a cell phone once using a faulty outlet converter overseas, so now I like to play it safer by depending upon extra batteries. It was fairly simple to pack the extra batteries into my checked luggage. It was a good simple way to have a backup power source while travelling.
Well, as of next Tuesday that simplicity is no more.

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FTC Behavioral Advertising Privacy Principles: Give Them Your Feedback!

Thursday, December 27th, 2007

On December 10 the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the FTC commissioners voted unanimously to have principles to govern online behavioral advertising. At the same time they released their proposed principles to guide the development of self-regulation in this area.

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FTC Fines Mortgage Co. For Tossing PII Into Dumpster: FACTA/FCRA, GLBA, & FTC Act Violations

Wednesday, December 26th, 2007

On December 17 the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined and penalized American United Mortgage Company for throwing the personally identifiable information (PII) and financial information of its customers and consumers into an open, publicly-accessible dumpster.
Under the terms of the penalty, American United Mortgage Company must:

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3 Inspiring Examples For This Season of Holidays

Monday, December 24th, 2007

In the spirit of this season of holidays, all pointing out the need for kindness and goodwill to mankind, I want to take a break from my usual information security, privacy and compliance topics and share with you some of the things that inspire me and my family during this magical and special time.
I think it is important to recognize and look to those who do so much good for others as inspiration and positive role models. This year while watching and reading the news, my family and I found the following particularly inspiring, and perhaps you will also.

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Be Prepared For Privacy Breaches!

Friday, December 21st, 2007

This morning I did a podcast interview with bankinfosecurity and they already have it posted!
During the interview I answered and expanded upon five questions and issues:

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The 12 Threats of Chistmas

Friday, December 21st, 2007

It is time for some humorous entertainment to complement the holiday season, and PGP Corporation has provided it!
Kevin Beaver pointed me to a great YouTube clip, “The 12 Threats of Christmas.”

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New Wireless = New Vulnerabilities = More Incidents?

Thursday, December 20th, 2007

Most folks are looking at what’s coming in 2008. Heck, let’s go a bit further and look at some potentially big changes slated for 2009!
I just read an interesting Business Week story, “Just Ahead: A Wider Wireless World.”
In February, 2009 analog television broadcasting will be terminated.

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New Wireless = New Vulnerabilities = More Incidents?

Thursday, December 20th, 2007

Most folks are looking at what’s coming in 2008. Heck, let’s go a bit further and look at some potentially big changes slated for 2009!
I just read an interesting Business Week story, “Just Ahead: A Wider Wireless World.”
In February, 2009 analog television broadcasting will be terminated.

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Information Security Survey for Financials

Thursday, December 20th, 2007

I just learned about a new survey that’s going on, “The State of Information Security Survey 2008.”
Bankinfosecurity is using it to try to get the best picture of how financial institutions are doing when it comes to information security at their institutions.

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