What are the Chances?

I have been called “paranoid” when it comes to computer security. Usually, it is after I have refused to send some sensitive data via email or give out my Social Security number using a cordless phone. But, whatever, it does not bother me. I do not consider myself “paranoid” but I do try to be very careful (although I am not as careful as I would like to be).

So, what about you? Do you worry about computer security? Do people call you “paranoid”? Well, the next time someone makes fun of you for being too worried about your personal data, you can point them to the FBI’s website.

Back in 2005, the US FBI polled more than 2,000 businesses in several cities about computer security problems. What did they find? Are people being to “paranoid”? The problems are more common than some may think:

• 2 out of 5 do not keep a log of security incidents
• 9 out of 10 had some type of security incident during the past year
• 1 out of 5 had a network or data sabotage
• 2 out of 3 transfer data files unencrypted
• 1 out of 6 had a PDA or a laptop stolen

Remember, this was data from 2005. I would be interested in seeing a more updated set of statistics. Hopefully, things are better but there sure have been a lot of reports of lost data lately. The TJ Maxx database issue comes to mind :(.