Well, here we go again.  Same story: laptops go missing, millions of people’s personal data in jeopardy, fears and concerns of identity theft on the rise, etc. etc.  I hate to say this like it is not a big deal (because it really is), but it is happening more and more often that it is almost expected (which  I really don’t like saying).  What’s worse is that a lot of these laptops that store sensitive and personal information of millions don’t even have much in the way of security to protect from intruders and thieves.  Ugh… changes really need to be made.  I mean, at least secure the laptops to prevent from unauthorized access… I hear biometrics are the ‘hip’ thing nowadays.

HACKERS are targeting state departments for sensitive information. More than 80 government laptops have been stolen or are missing, raising fears about the protection of confidential data.

The Irish Independent has learned the laptops and computers have been lost or stolen over the past five years, triggering concerns sensitive information may be vulnerable.

Four government-controlled websites were also recently the victim of cyber-attacks and telephone hacking incidents.

A garda investigation is under way in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which experienced four “noteworthy hacking or cyber-attacks”.

The Department of Transport was the subject of a “malicious security breach” and is blocking an average of 50 inappropriate attempts to connect to its systems every week.[more]

Tags: Identity Theft