As companies continue to embrace digital technology, they
also continue to store more and more information on online databases, rather
than in locked file cabinets. While these electronic storage solutions may seem
cheaper, at least in the beginning, they can also be slightly less secure than
their brick-and-mortar counterparts. Ryan Russo, Denver scientist, explains why
this is the case.
Online databases used by major companies often require users
to create long, sophisticated passwords that contain both numbers and figures.
Employees might also be required to change these passwords on a regular basis,
or they'll be refused access to the information stored online. It all sounds
like an ideal solution, says Ryan Russo, Denver Criminal Forensic Scientist,
but most employees don't take online security very seriously. They write down
their passwords on Post-It notes they place in their drawers or on the walls of
their cubicles. They share their passwords with friends. They make their
passwords ridiculously easy to remember. All of these little decisions, made
each day, can become big headaches for companies, as each decision is a break
in security. Put too many together, and a breach could take place.
In addition, Ryan
Russo, Denver Criminal Forensic Scientist says, companies often upset
their employees. They terminate their employment, cut back on their benefits,
switch the coffee provided in the lunchroom or otherwise make small changes
that can bring about big reactions in even mild-mannered employees. When
employees are inflamed in this way, and they have access to the database, they
can do a significant amount of damage without drawing undue attention. Covertly
deleting files is easy, while burning down a file room in secret might be hard.
Without proper backup procedures, companies could lose all of their information
in just a few moments.
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