Computer fraud to rocket as Christmas approaches

Posted on 16 Dec 2008 at 19:02

A potent combination of factors including the economic impact of the credit crunch, redundancies and even too much booze at office parties will fuel a cyber crime wave, according to forensic computing investigator Andrew Sheldon.

"People do stupid things at Christmas," said Sheldon, managing director of Evidence Talks. "Loaded with drink, they might return to the office convinced they are uniquely skilled to steal from their employers without getting caught. Worse still, they might decide now is the time to branch off on their own, taking confidential pricelists, supplier details and even the entire customer database."

Sheldon added: "The risks to a business's finances and even their reputation are hugely magnified at this time of year."

Sheldon pointed out that there is no excuse for allowing would-be offenders to get away with cyber crime as potentially every activity carried out by an employee on a PC, mobile phone or memory stick can be traced and analysed if a company has the right procedures in place.

Former policeman and now forensic laboratory manager at Evidence Talks, Richard Peake, confirmed that fraud was at its height before the beginning of holiday seasons, and urged businesses to be particularly vigilant at this time of year.

"We recommend all organisations carry out a Forensic Readiness Review as recommended by the Government," said Peake. "This allows directors to mitigate the damage caused by computer crime by ensuring robust policies and procedures are in place to react immediately to an incident."

Author: Robert Jaques

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