Surprise, Surprise! Working for one of the biggest software companies doesnt mean you are safe from data hacks. Apparently last week, google employee's personal data were stolen ( literally - the thieves stole the PCs on which they were stored!). Although the data was not stolen from google itself, the thieves broke into an outsourcing firm that held all the data for google upto Jan 2006. According to one website, no "truly sensitive information was stolen" like bank accounts or credit cards, just that the social security numbers, the addresses etc were stolen. I mean, isnt that enough? Do you really need to steal a credit card if you have the person's full name, address and his social security number?
And here's the kicker. Apparently, the outsourcing company did NOT encrypt the information. All the thieves need to do now is to power on the systems. Google - you employees must be real proud of your cost cutting measures and your process of identifying secure outsourcing partners!
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