One of the hottest topics in the news today….the FTC…and Data Breaches…………..

CNET report:::::::::

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has notified nearly 100 organizations that data from their networks has been found on peer-to-peer file-sharing networks, the agency said on Monday.

The FTC notices went to private and public entities, including schools and local government agencies and organizations with as few as eight employees to as many as tens of thousands, the FTC said in a statement. The sensitive information about customers and employees that was leaked could be used to commit identity fraud, conduct corporate espionage, and for other crimes.

Full CNET Article

FTC Statement: Widespread Data Breaches Uncovered by FTC Probe

Excerpt:……..“Unfortunately, companies and institutions of all sizes are vulnerable to serious P2P-related breaches, placing consumers’ sensitive information at risk. For example, we found health-related information, financial records, and drivers’ license and social security numbers–the kind of information that could lead to identity theft,” said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. “Companies should take a hard look at their systems to ensure that there are no unauthorized P2P file-sharing programs and that authorized programs are properly configured and secure. Just as important, companies that distribute P2P programs, for their part, should ensure that their software design does not contribute to inadvertent file sharing.”

FTC’s P2P Guide: Peer-to-Peer File Sharing: A Guide for Business

We did not know true value and the timely insight of David Shonka, Esq., of the FTC (Discover Webinar Here) during our Best Practice Webinar last week. It was such an eDiscovery harbinger.  The subsequent litigation proceedings and eDiscovery ramifications of these leaks are staggering.

–JDM