CALIFORNIA COMPUTER THEFT NEWS FROM CSI 32ND ANNUAL COMPUTER SECURITY CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION<a href="http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20051115005593&newsLang=en">Laptop Stolen but Beachhead Solutions Software Eliminates Risk of Data Theft; Recent Thefts of Laptops With Sensitive Data Prove Effectiveness of Lost Data Destruction November 15, 2005 08:01 AM US Eastern Timezone

Laptop Stolen but Beachhead Solutions Software Eliminates Risk of Data Theft; Recent Thefts of Laptops With Sensitive Data Prove Effectiveness of Lost Data Destruction

CSI 32nd Annual Computer Security Conference & Exhibition

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 2005--When an auditor with Mohler, Nixon & Williams stored his laptop computer out of sight in the locked trunk of his car, he was confidently following company policy for the physical security of this important asset and the client data it contained. Unfortunately a thief broke into the vehicle and stole the hidden laptop from the trunk. The good news for Mohler, Nixon & Williams and its clients is that the thief only ended up with a computer without data and the auditor's guitar.

Mohler, Nixon & Williams employees have many tools to help assure that client data is safe and secure. Laptop users have cable locks to physically secure laptops while at a client site; client data is transmitted securely over the internet using data encryption algorithms; and data on the local laptop is locked in a 256-bit encrypted data vault when not in use.

Months prior to this incident, Mohler, Nixon & Williams executives had the foresight to anticipate that computer theft can occur despite all reasonable precautions and took the additional proactive step of installing Beachhead Solutions' Lost Data Destruction (LDD) software on all laptops. Due to this extra level of protection, LDD software wiped all files from the laptop's hard drive when the crook -- or his fence -- turned on the computer.

LDD reported back to Mohler, Nixon & Williams with a receipt that detailed that the laptop's data was destroyed and supplied the crook's unique IP address showing where the computer was when the data destruction occurred.


"As one of the 100 largest public accounting firms in America, we handle a great deal of sensitive information on behalf of our clients," said Clare Piech, Chief Operations Officer for Mohler, Nixon & Williams. "With the Lost Data Destruction, encryption and elimination software in place on all our firm's laptops, we know that the intellectual property of our firm and our clients is safe from misuse by computer thieves. We wanted a solution that would keep our client's data secure and confidential even in situations where the theft may not always be preventable. Now Mohler, Nixon & Williams' clients can be sure that even in the worst case scenario, their sensitive information will be protected."

LDD's protection of Mohler, Nixon & Williams sensitive data is just the latest real world example of the intellectual property (IP) protection afforded by the software. Validare, a company selling services to doctors and medical groups, recently had a top salesman leave the company and keep his laptop.

"Our employee resigned late on a Friday afternoon and promised to bring his laptop in the next week," said Validare's Matthew Schmuck, Director of Information Technology. "All of his sales leads and customer data were on the laptop. Rather than worry that he might use the proprietary client files, we hit the 'kill' switch and wiped specific folders on his hard drive. Given the possibility that the ex-employee might be tempted to use these files inappropriately, we decided to ensure his honesty and our peace of mind with the flip of a switch."

Lost Data Destruction software automatically eliminates specified data on a lost or stolen laptop to prevent its compromise or misuse. Unlike most other data security products, this software-based solution does not depend on user compliance or involvement and is particularly suitable for banks, insurance companies, medical institutions and other government and business entities that are custodians of confidential data.

About Beachhead Solutions Inc.

Beachhead provides security software and services to enterprise and government customers responsible for controlling access to data on PCs and mobile devices. Beachhead's software is a complete encryption and security solution that is both easy to administer and user-transparent, and will automatically eliminate data on lost or stolen computers. For more information visit www.beachheadsolutions.com.

About Mohler, Nixon & Williams

Mohler, Nixon & Williams is the premier provider of tax, audit and accounting services to the technology industry. Founded in 1980, the firm is the largest locally based CPA firm in Silicon Valley, with 22 partners and more than 100 professionals in their practice. MNW offers a wide range of financial, tax, accounting, audit and consulting services to businesses of all sizes, as well as to individuals. In addition, MNW conducts more employee benefit audits annually than any other firm in the Bay Area. As a member of Moore Stephens International Limited, Mohler, Nixon & Williams is affiliated in principal cities throughout the world. Please visit our website at www.mohlernixon.com.

Contacts


RedUmbrella Group (for Beachhead Solutions Inc.)
Scott Hildula, 415-986-1477 ext. 1 (Desk) or
415-786-3036 (Cell)
scott@redumbrellagroup.com