Irreverence

posted on 08 May 2008 11:19

It's getting tedious. Two in one day now. Let a data leak or laptop theft be reported and security vendors pile in with topical news comment trying to gee up business in the wake of some poor so and so's bad luck.

Here's Cyber-Ark commenting on a bank scam in California:  'Cyber-Ark, the company data encryption specialist, says the case of a California bank employee who sold his employer's computers on eBay - and even pawned them to raise cash - highlights the need for digital data vaulting security within companies of all sizes.'

Well, maybe, but it also highlights a need for better control of physical assets and alert management. Not withstanding that Mark Fullbrook, Cyber-Ark's UK Director - not even a US one; this being a UK Cyber-Ark person trying to drum up trade using a pitiful US scam - points out the fact that up to 15 bank PCs have gone missing, almost certainly meaning that bank customer and/or employee data has gone too. Ah, the good old identity theft marketing tactic.

Here's CREDANT commenting on a Barcelona football club laptop theft: 'reports of the manager of Barcelona FC having his laptop stolen last week highlights the fact that a laptop theft can happen to anyone, and not just a famous football manager with bodyguards.'
 
Bit of an own goal there...

Peter Mitteregger, CREDANT'S President of Europe - a grand title that - says: "we are urging all portable PC users to review their security arrangements, and encrypt any personal or company data they hold on their machines."

Odd that, two security companies using the same 'get a fast comment out pointing out how a security event highlights the need for people to buy their kit' tactic. You might think it could be the same PR agency acting for both suppliers, but I couldn't possibly comment.

^{[Chris Mellor, editor.]}