Oops: McCain campaign sold BlackBerry containing confidential data
January 20, 2009 by Sam NarisiPosted in: Gadgets, Hardware, Latest News & Views
This recent gaffe ought to teach companies about properly disposing of electronic equipment:
After the presidential election was over, John McCain’s team sought to recoup some costs by selling used laptops, BlackBerries and other devices.
The problem: At least one of the devices still contained confidential campaign information.
Investigation reporters in Arlington, VA, purchased a BlackBerry from the team. When they charged the phone and turned it on, they discovered it still contained about 50 phone numbers of people connected with the campaign, as well as hundreds of e-mails between campaign workers.
Companies can face similar problems when they dispose of old computers and other equipment. That’s why it’s important to have procedures in place to make sure that all data is properly wiped.
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Tags: Blackberry, confidential data, John McCain, used electronics
