16 Apr 2009

Expert: Beware of the threat of former workers

An IT specialist is warning companies about the information security threat posed by former employees.

The global recession has caused an increase in the number of cases of frustration hacking - which involves attacks by vengeful ex-staff, claims Tamar Beck, group event director of the upcoming Infosecurity Europe exhibition.

According to the expert, organisations should look to implement measures which minimise the risk of intrusion from former workers who may still have access to confidential information.

"If someone is working in the IT structure they may have lots of passwords and access remotely that the organisation may not be aware of," Ms Beck comments.

She adds that firms can adopt measures such as enhancing access controls or educating other people in the company in order to bolster protection.

Infosecurity Europe recently conducted a poll of 1,010 industry experts which revealed 55 per cent expect their spending on IT security to increase this year, with over a third claiming it will remain the same as in 2008.