How important is data security? This accounting firm was hacked

From the Tech Views blog.

Perhaps your firm’s management isn’t concerned that much with hackers targeting their firm. After all, if a hacker has the expertise to do it, wouldn’t they target much larger enterprises like banks?

That’s not necessarily the case, and the recent data breach at a local accounting firm in Connecticut should serve as a warning to firms who take the threat risk too lightly.

The firm, which has offices in Ridgefield and Fairfield, Conn, fell victim to a hacker that police say may have been able to access information on as many as 900 clients. A partner at the firm confirmed the incident but would not yet provide additional information.

From the Ridgefield Press:

Jaclyn Falkowski, a spokesperson for the office of the Connecticut attorney general, said, “It’s our understanding that about 900 Connecticut residents were notified that their information may have been compromised in this breach and that federal law enforcement authorities are also involved.”

She added that companies that keep personal information, as defined by statute, are required to notify her agency of any security breaches, which Lyons & Lyons did.

“While we are still assessing the matter, our primary concern is for the security of those consumers affected, and we will work to ensure that the needs of those individuals are met and that the company take adequate measures to prevent exposure of personal information in the future,” she wrote.

Because of the nature of electronic financial crimes, other state and federal agencies are involved in the investigation, including the U.S. Secret Service and the IRS.

[Thanks to Randy Johnston for the tip.]