Data Theft

Common modes of data theft are as follows:

• USB drive - Using the thumb-sucking technique, the information can be moved to a thumb drive or USB drive. It is considered as the easiest method of data theft as the storage capacity of USB devices are increasing over time with the cost decreasing.
• Portable hard drive - Large information can be transferred using portable hard drive
• Devices using memory cards,PDAs - Pod slurping is possible with devices using memory cards and PDAs
• Email - Another popular way of transmitting information is through emails.
• Printing - Another method used in data theft is by printing information and illegally storing or distributing the same.
• Remote sharing - Using remote access, data can be transferred to another location from where the data can be distributed.
• Malware attack - Malware attacks are potentially capable of extracting sensitive information.

How data theft can be prevented:

• Encryption of confidential information or personal information.
• Data management system to have necessary security measures to ensure the corporate files are not moved or accessed illegally.
• Periodic reviews on devices and systems which can pose high risk.
• Usage of restricted network in organization.
• Restricted usage of devices capable of data storage.
• Laptop lockdown and biometric security measures.
• Protecting confidential and personal information using password.
• Use of anti-malware software.