CeBIT 2010: Business - Hustle and bustle - Data loss
G Data warns of data theft and gives 5 tips for a secure visit to the trade fair
In just a few days the world's largest IT fair will be opening its doors. This year, many of its trade visitors will be bringing their portable office with them. To make sure digital pickpockets don't stand a chance of getting their hands on valuable data, these few simple rules should be observed: Do not trust any unsecured networks because data thieves can disguise themselves as free WLAN access points and access your data. Before any business travel, backup your data and encrypt any data stored on your mobile devices. Personal data and company internal data are a profitable commodity on the underground markets of the underworld economy. Never leave your mobile data media and devices out of sight. Alongside all the technical security precautions, this basic rule should not be forgotten. Over the last few CeBIT years, the Hanover Police Department has recorded several laptop thefts on every day of the fair.
"In general stolen data is always a sensitive issue. At a trade fair there are always lots of business executives around, especially at a fair which is as well establisted as CeBIT, and the loss of data containing corporate secrets is a particular problem. This is because cyber criminals will always be there if they fancy their chances at getting hold of particularly valuable data. Dependent on its quality, sensitive information can change hands on underground forums for considerable amounts so money," explains Ralf Benzmüller, manager of G Data SecurityLabs.
Security tips for CeBIT visitors:
Precaution 1: Make a backup
Before you travel to the trade fair, you should make a backup of your (important) data. Then if the worst happens during your travels, you will be able to resume work on your return with only a minimum of effort.
Precaution 2: Operate a data hygiene policy
Consider whether you really need to take all the data stored on your laptop/mobile phone on your business travels. Backup and/or delete data which is not currently needed.
Precaution 3: Encrypt your data
Simply losing an expensive mobile phone or laptop is annoying, but the damage which could be caused by the loss of unsecured sensitive data could be an order of magnitude greater. Use a powerful encryption tool to protect your data or use the BitLocker function provided with Windows Vista und Windows 7.
Precaution 4: Look after your devices
"Temptation makes thieves" is a popular conception and also represents reality. Unattended objects are easy prey for the light-fingered! Protect your notebook, e.g. using a cable lock. Always carry any mobile phones and USB sticks with you and only take them out of their secure storage when necessary.
Precaution 5: Avoid unsecure public WLAN hotspots
There is no great expense involved for a data thief who wants to set himself up as a free WLAN hotspot so that he can read your data should you be transmitting it unencrypted. Therefore, where possible, use a secure VPN tunnel or an UMTS connection, to make it much much harder for anyone else to access your data.
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