It Checkpoint Week 5

It Checkpoint Week 5

* List and describe the security controls in place. Where are the weaknesses?

TJX was still using the old Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption system, which is relatively easy for hackers to crack.   They also neglected to install firewalls and data encryption on many of the computers using the wireless network, and didn’t properly install another layer of security software it had purchased.  


  * What tools and technologies could have been used to fix the weaknesses?

They could have switched to the more secure Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) standard with more complex encryption.   They also could have installed firewalls and data encryption software on any computer that uses a wireless network.


  * What was the business effect of TXJ’s data loss on TXJ, consumers, and banks?

Banks that issue credit and debit cards so far borne the brunt of the TJX losses from fraudulent credit card charges rather the retailers who accepted the fraudulent cards, the credit card networks such as MasterCard and Visa, or TJX itself.   They may have to spend 300 million just to replace the stolen cards, in addition to covering fraudulent purchases.   Consumer groups and banks have filed lawsuits against TJX and its merchant banks for failing to protect account data.


  * Which moral dimensions may be applied in this situation? How?

TXJ should take responsibility for what they let happen.   If their systems were up to date and their kiosks were not as vulnerable as they were, none of this would have happened.   It seems that the banks and credit card companies are taking most of the hit from this situation.   They made enough money every year to make sure that their information was securely kept, and they need to pay those people back for them not keeping up with the times.