While the convenience of GPS-enabled devices is undeniable, there’s a flip side: they give employers a tool that can be used to track workers in real time. And at some point, that tracking crosses a line. Smart phones, watches, vehicles and other GPS-enabled devices have become ubiquitous, inside and outside the workplace. Surveys found more than a quarter of U.S. companies provide employees with mobile phones; more than half use apps that enable mobile access to critical enterprise … [Read more...]
Research Shows 76% of Data Breaches are Financially Driven; Are You Safe?
You’re a regular citizen, not a multimillionaire. You don’t have access to anything hackers would want, like government information or the designs for the next iPhone. You don’t flaunt your cash, and you don’t leave your passwords lying around. So why not let your eyes glaze over when you hear someone mention a “data breach”? Because the criminals trying to get your money don’t care how much you have — they just care that it’s easy to get. And yes, money remains the key motivator in … [Read more...]
Regulators Signal Greater Support for Cybersecurity Whistleblowers
The murky world of cybersecurity remains fraught with worries for those trying to prevent hacks, but it has gotten somewhat clearer of late for employees who see their companies ignoring risks. For one thing, federal regulators are taking the issue seriously, despite its relative newness on the securities law stage. For another, some rules have been clarified regarding protections for cybersecurity whistleblowers. From a federal perspective, cyber intrusions are an obvious problem that can … [Read more...]
Avoid Scams and Data Breaches This Tax Season
While Americans are preparing their tax returns, scammers are hatching elaborate schemes to steal money and valuable personal information. Indeed, last year, Forbes reported that more than 200 employers were victimized by W-2 scams. As Forbes described, “In a typical attack, the head of human resources receives an email appearing to come from their CEO asking for a copy of the company’s W-2 records. The HR person, seeking to be responsive to the CEO, quickly complies, and soon everyone in the … [Read more...]
Telemarketers must obtain consent – and tiny-font disclaimers don’t suffice
Imagine going online to look for home loan information. You find a website and enter some basic information, then click “Get a free quote” – and the next day, your phone is besieged with calls and texts hawking mortgages. A recent court decision shows that in this situation, it’s not enough for a company to have a website disclaimer about telemarketing; the disclaimer must be clear and conspicuous. If it’s hard to find or hard to read, consumers may be entitled to damages under the Telephone … [Read more...]