15/12/2008 - Christmas party fraud threat danger
Computer fraud and straight theft by drunk employees at the office Christmas party represent a severe risk to businesses, says forensic-computing investigator Andrew Sheldon.
The boss of Evidence Talks said: "People do stupid things at Christmas. Loaded with drink, they might return to the office convinced they are uniquely skilled to steal from their employers without getting caught.
"Worse still, they might decide now is the time to branch off on their own, taking confidential price lists, supplier details and even the entire customer database. The risks are hugely magnified at this time of year."
He says that a combination of the credit crunch, redundancies and too much alcohol can push disgruntled workers, managers and even directors over the edge and into crime.
But he warns: "Everything a person does on a computer, mobile phone or memory stick can be traced and analysed, and even if they don't leave behind an obvious 'smoking gun', a good forensic analyst can identify patterns of behaviour that are surprisingly common, particularly in cases such as fraud."
He recommends carry out a Forensic Readiness Review as recommended by the Government, which can mitigate the damage caused by ensuring robust policies and procedures are in place.
Copyright © Press Association 2008
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