To assume is to make an ASS out of U and ME (and to put sensitive data in jeopardy)…

Posted by: on Sep 13, 2011 | No Comments

Although we here at BlockMaster make it a point to not focus too specifically on scaring folks into considering the importance of USB management and security

The hits just keep on coming…

Posted by: on Aug 8, 2011 | No Comments

When it comes to extolling the virtues of USB flash drives that incorporate automatic hardware encryption and mandatory password protection, it just gets easier and easier with each passing day. That’s because every day, seemingly, there is a headline somewhere in the world that essentially does this job for us.

Curiosity is the real killer, and puts your data at major risk

Posted by: on Jul 8, 2011 | One Comment

What we should really learn from recent USB ‘drive-by dropping’ episodes is that people with piqued curiosities – even good, honest, tax-paying folks – will not hesitate to commandeer, inspect and thereby compromise the security of your confidential data if it can be easily accessed via a USB flash drive…

How to Rely on USB Drives Without the Risk of Misuse

Posted by: on Jun 28, 2011 | No Comments

Last week, Anders wrote about the survey conducted on the heels of the T-Mobile breach.  It has produced some interesting insight into the way in which people think of USB drives.

Survey: USB Drives are the Greatest Breach Risk at the Workplace - Women are 25% less of an Insider Threat

Posted by: on Jun 17, 2011 | One Comment

A new survey shows that when given the choice of a tool to perform a data breach, 60% of employees opt for the USB Flash drive. It also showed that over 25% of men in a management position think that it is OK to take information with you when you end employment. Women have a higher sense of morality when it comes to company data and are less likely offenders.

NHS Data Breach of 8.6 Million Records Speaks to the Need for Smarter Technology

Posted by: on Jun 16, 2011 | No Comments

The NHS has been struck by a massive security breach exposing 8.6 million UK citizens medical records. The records were stored on unencrypted computer equipment kept in storage at a hospital in London.

Massive 500.000+ USB Data Breach Records Rocks Mobile Giant

Posted by: on Jun 15, 2011 | 2 Comments

Telecom provider T-Mobile has been hit by a massive data breach from an insider attack.  The attacker relied on a USB drive to steal information that he then resold to a competing firm.

Catastrophic 40 million dollar USB drive data breach in Canada

Posted by: on Jun 2, 2011 | No Comments

The Durham region in Canada is being sued for 40 million dollars for data lost on an unencrypted USB flash drive. The lost unsecure USB

Honest User Mistake and Unsecure USB Drive Prompt Action from Authorities

Posted by: on Sep 30, 2010 | No Comments

According to a media report, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust had violated the Data Protection Act after a doctor lost an unencrypted USB drive containing patient data on a train. Although the doctor informed the Trust soon after discovering the loss, the drive could not be recovered.

Teacher Loses 100.000 Students Personal Information on USB

Posted by: on Aug 21, 2009 | No Comments

News report of the loss of a USB drive containing personal information of over 100,000 adult education students. Misplaced by a Virginia Tech researcher, the drive contained names, birth dates and social security numbers of students who used literacy and adult education programs and those who earned a high school equivalency certificate.

Governments Lack In Protecting Portable Citizen Information

Posted by: on May 30, 2009 | No Comments

The hot topic during the government funded Privacy Awareness Week in Australia was portable storage devices. The Privacy Commissioner issued a

Edinburgh incident puts further focus on the USB security problem

Posted by: on Mar 11, 2009 | No Comments

Following up on the breach in Edinburgh just days ago Daniel Östner, CEO at BlockMaster commented on the urgency of the USB problem in SC Magazine and Computer Weekly.

Unsecure USB Drive Expose Military Records

Posted by: on Jan 28, 2009 | No Comments

Another incident can be added to the list of sensitive records lost on unsecure USB storage devices. In this case an old MP3-player was sold in the US, and apparently it had been used to store classified information in Afghanistan.

Lack of Password Management Exposes 6000 Prisoners Details

Posted by: on Jan 24, 2009 | No Comments

In January 2009, it was reported that personal medical records of over 6000 prisoners and ex-inmates of Her Majesty’s Prison Preston, Lancashire, were exposed with the loss of a USB drive.