Most data theft tied to basic security flaws

Just like locking your car doesn’t prevent a determined car thief from taking your ride but prevents the majority of casual joyriders from “borrowing” your wheels, basic computer security precautions will stop all but the most determined data thieves, according to a new study that finds that Most data theft tied to basic security flaws. As with most other approaches to security, such as physical or property security, the goal isn’t to prevent absolutely every type of attack or exploit -- which is basically impossible -- but to discourage all but the most determined bad guys. The typical data thief is not very technically sophisticated, but instead casts a broad net for easy pickings: computer systems without patches applied, without basic firewall services, without basic wireless security. The moral of this story? If you take the time to configure the most essential security precautions, you will prevent the vast majority of security exploits.