He said security experts have long worried about storing credit card data. The other and a more threatening problem is that outsiders can break into the vendors' computer system. Other problems are obviously that the vendors must also make sure that their own computer staff does not abuse the credit card information. Little effect on online buying Peter G. Neumann, principal scientist at SRI International in Menlo Park, Calif., a computer research, technology development and consulting firm, echoes that storing sensitive personal information in an unprotected database is risky. Neumann said the incident probably wouldn't curb online buying.
Convenience always seems more important than security.
But it might make this purveyor a little more wary of the security risks. You would not want that information too closely tied to the Web site because it would make such attacks too easy. Companies need to tackle security concerns that may not be Web-related, Fahn said. No Share your thoughts about corporate snooping habits of e-mail, phone, and web surfing. More NewsCenter Forums.