September 6, 2008: Internet
security officials just got another shock, when a British survey of network
administrators (the people who run the networks, and Internet access, in large
companies) revealed that 88 percent admitted they would take company Internet
secrets (passwords, system layout and the like) with them if they were ever
suddenly fired. This is not as shocking as it first appears. It's long been
known that most data leaks and network based theft are the result of insider
information. But the knowledge that so many key corporate Internet specialists
would spirit away such a treasure trove (and sell to an Internet crook or Cyber
War organization) if they were fired, gives Internet gangsters and Cyber War
specialists a small group of people to zero in on. Turn one of these
disgruntled ex-employees, and you get the Internet keys-to-the-kingdom for a
large organization.
That said, network administrators are carefully selected, and usually
well looked after. Since this revealing poll, these network honchos can expect
to be get even better treatment, as well as being watched more carefully.
