CMP Media's InformationWeek Reports GMAC Insurance Customers Compromised by Laptop TheftPRNewswire-FirstCall CMP Media's InformationWeek, the leading IT media brand, has reported today on the potential identity exposure of approximately 200,000 GMAC Insurance customers. The news story appears on its website http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=18402885 and in its newsweekly today. In a letter -- obtained by InformationWeek -- to its personal insurance customers, GMAC Insurance indicates that "a random theft" of laptops from a locked vehicle may have left them vulnerable to identify theft. According to the letter, the stolen laptops contained customers' names, addresses, dates of birth, social security numbers, credit scores, marital status and gender. The letter was dated March 12, although the theft actually took place on January 26th. One GMAC Insurance customer who received the letter was stunned to learn that the company stored sensitive data on laptops. "I'm not sure how or who determines what constitutes 'secure' when it comes to customers' personal information, however if company guidelines deem it acceptable to house that data on laptops, in parked cars, then I would question their competence to establish any process and procedure to ensure the security of any data anywhere." A 30-year IT veteran, the customer who asked that his name be withheld, made his comments in an e-mail to InformationWeek. A spokesman for GMAC Insurance on Thursday said the company is reviewing its policies in light of the incident. Paul McDougall, Senior Editor, InformationWeek wrote the story. About InformationWeek InformationWeek helps more than 440,000 Business Technology Professionals who buy, build and manage technology drive business innovation powered by technology. In addition to the weekly magazine, InformationWeek provides a platform of information solutions including http://www.informationweek.com/, InformationWeek Research, InformationWeek Events, which includes the InformationWeek Conference for Business Technology Executives and the InformationWeek Daily, an e-mail news service. In May 2003 in conjunction with Optimize, InformationWeek launched its Media Network. The Media Network consists of Optimize, Government Enterprise and Healthcare Enterprise, as well as its Vertical Industry Network publications -- Bank Systems & Technology, Insurance & Technology and Wall Street & Technology. InformationWeek is consistently recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation, receiving several of the industry's top media accolades including top spots in Technology Marketing's Influencers Report, BtoB Magazine's annual Media Power 50, as well as awards from ASBPE. About CMP Media LLC CMP Media LLC (http://www.cmp.com/) is a leading integrated media company providing essential information and marketing services to the entire technology spectrum -- the builders, sellers and users of technology worldwide. Capitalizing on its editorial strength, CMP is uniquely positioned to offer marketers comprehensive, integrated media solutions tailored to meet their individual needs. Its diverse products and services include newspapers, magazines, Internet products, research, direct marketing services, education and training, trade shows and conferences, and custom publishing. Contact:
Alexandra Raine
CMP Media LLC
516-562-7827
araine@cmp.com
SOURCE: CMP Media LLC CONTACT: Alexandra Raine of CMP Media LLC, +1-516-562-7827, Web site: http://www.cmp.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/181993.html |