Hacked by Bits and Pieces: What Can We Learn from an Example of Corporate Espionage?

Information security often involves the development and application of sophisticated software to protect sensitive information stored in corporate computers. Yet, in this example of corporate espionage, a clever person, a cellphone and some readily available software were all it took to crack through one company’s advanced security barriers. By reading this article it is hoped that employees at all levels of an organization’s hierarchy will become more aware of—and recognize—how: 1) bits and pieces of seemingly harmless and easy-to-acquire information can be used for sinister purposes;2) building rapport and trust with a person can make them more likely to become unknowing co-conspirators in a devious undertaking;and 3) how one must be constantly alert not to give out information without carefully considering the authenticity and justification of the source requesting it.