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Imation thinks sold-off tapes contain recoverable sensitive information
posted on 15 February 2008 05:42
Imation thinks that apparently erased tapes sold by US federal agencies can contain recoverable information, thusd putting sensitive data at risk.
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has received a letter from Betty McCollum, a congresswoman, requesting that the GAO look into this. She represents the district where Imation has its headquarers in Minnesota.
Imation testers recovered lots of sensitive data from tapes that had been wiped clean before resale. The information recovered included bank account numbers, expense reports, and employee tax and benefit information, raising the spectre of identity theft.
It's unclear whether the tapes can be more effectively wiped clean. If they cannot then the buyers of used tapes from government would have to buy new tape cartridges.
No special equipment was used by Imation to read the used tapes.
Buying used tape cartridges might be thought a risky proposition anyway because of concerns about the likely life of the media.
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Imation thinks sold-off tapes contain recoverable sensitive information
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