Scary Story

This is one of those stories that people gather around a campfire to tell....

Warning: If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or are prone to panic attacks, please do not read any further!





I am currently helping my mom as a contractor to help transition her business customers to a new software platform. This company has been very clear about security They gave us a google apps spreadsheet to enter data for them to import into their platform.

I always am kind of paranoid about such things, so I took a closer look before entering in sensitive data (this includes bank accounts and SSNs!)

I almost fell out of my chair. The spreadsheet was public for reading and writing! I immediately called my mom before she entered anything in. I fired off an email to the company (I have not divulged any of my credentials), and expressed our concerns.

Had I not noticed this (my mom didn't), my mom would have been sued into oblivion, and then sued further. I am just awestruck that something like this could have happened.



Moral of the story: Be vewwwy careful with Google Apps and their associated documents. What you put in them might be viewable to the world.



Ok everyone, story is over. You can stop holding each other in fright, and go back to sleep

 

They know now.

I haven't heard back from my email yet.

 

Yes because it was her sole decision to use said company.

 

Makes me wonder how many instances of this kind of security issue occur between business partners and slip under the radar. Nice catch!

 

I received an email from a well known German luxury auto company last year. It asked me to return to the dealer in Alabama for mapping software update. I contacted the company and the dealer to tell them of the lack of security, as I received personal information for the owner.

I received name, address, VIN and phone number.

Two days later I recieved an apology email. I set up a spam filter but considered mailing the information the owner.

 

Google >< privacy. I need to get a new email... :cool

 

Yeah Microsoft has shown they adhere to privacy too

 

Microsoft offers email? What else will they come up with. :-D

Posted from my now unsuported XP box.