Massive increase in reported cases of data theft

For Immediate Release

Computer Forensics NZ Ltd celebrates 10th anniversary

Massive increase in reported cases of data theft

Auckland, 5 June 2009. Computer Forensics NZ Ltd, the country’s longest established data recovery specialist celebrates its 10th anniversary this month. This milestone comes at a time when the reported cases of data theft have reached an all time high.

When Brian Eardley-Wilmot founded Computer Forensics NZ Ltd in 1999 data theft went mainly undetected. ``We saw not only the growing problem of data theft but also companies needing to recover data as a result of a hardware malfunction,’’ says Eardley-Wilmot.

Even if companies suspected a malicious attack was taking place in their work, they were often unable to do much about it unless a suspect was caught red handed. The arrival of Computer Forensics NZ Ltd changed all that and for the first time New Zealand companies had a world class local resource that could trace the theft of data, allowing companies could get the supporting evidence they required to prosecute a suspect.

Since first setting up Computer Forensics NZ Ltd has enjoyed rapid growth in both sides of its business which has seen the company establish a virtual presence in Australia to service the needs of a growing number of clients across the Tasman who require a cost efficient and timely data recovery solution.

The number of cases of data theft continues to skyrocket and we have conducted literally hundreds of investigations in the last ten years as the amount of sensitive data companies store has grown exponentially. This growth has coincided with more and more people gaining access to critical company information, and becoming more sophisticated about how they steal it.

``No matter how seriously you take data security, while someone is still employed by you it is very difficult to prevent them stealing digital information. Be it via email, a USB memory stick or a CD or DVD, your information will get out if someone on the inside wants to take it,’’ says Eardley-Wilmot.

``Over the years as we’ve dug deep into cases it has become obvious that employees have become much smarter in how they go about stealing data,’’ says Eardley-Wilmot.

However, many companies remain oblivious to the fact that data theft maybe taking place right now in their own organisation. Often companies react too late even when they suspect a disgruntled employee has stolen company data. ``Companies need to realise that they can do something about the problem and they need to take action as soon as they suspect they have an issue,’’ adds Eardley-Wilmot.

``Where we are able to help is in showing companies that sophisticated technology can work for them, as well as for the data thieves. Data theft inevitably leaves a trail, often in ways the culprit failed to anticipate. We follow the trail, and that evidence ends up in reparation or court,’’ he says.

Nor, says Eardley-Wilmot, is taking action just about punishing the culprit. Ensuring data theft is pursued by an employer helps deter other employees who may also misappropriate critical company data.

``Our biggest challenge is educating companies that they are vulnerable but importantly can do something about when a suspect comes to light. Typically disgruntled ex-employees and those leaving to work for a competitor present the greatest risk,’’ he says.

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