eBay data breach

A computer disk marked "Home Office Confidential” has been discovered hidden beneath the keyboard of a laptop bought on the online auction site eBay.

The disc was discovered by Leapfrog Computer repairs in Westhoughton, near Bolton, Greater Manchester, according to media reports.

Alan Bentley, vice president of Lumension Security EMEA (formerly PatchLink), commented: “The good news with this latest data breach is that the data was encrypted. However, encryption alone is not infallible – computer hackers are determined individuals with the potential to crack one layer of security. And, we certainly shouldn’t be relying on one line of protection when it comes to our national security.

“The good news with this latest data breach is that the data was encrypted. However, encryption alone is not infallible.

Alan Bentley, VP of Lumension Security EMEA

“Safeguarding sensitive data should start at the network door. By monitoring and only allowing known good devices and authorised individuals to connect to a network and download data is essential. Once data access control and encryption work hand-in-hand we can go a long way to reduce the risk of sensitive data breaches.”

“Of course, security doesn’t eradicate the human factor. Meaning, individuals given the right to download data from the network must be put through stringent security checks. Once the data has been extracted, technology can help to determine when data was downloaded and to which approved device. Meaning organisations can gain a clear picture of how data has fallen into the wrong hands and act accordingly.”