World Bank Under Cyberattack? Surprise!

My guess is that you haven't read about the World Bank's security problems, unless you follow PC World, CNET, or FOXNews. I haven't seen more than a flicker about the World Bank being hacked, except in those services.

Which is a little odd, since a major cyberattack started in the summer of 2007.

I've posted about this before:

• "Lehman Collapsed, the World Bank's Been Hacked, General Motor's not Bankrupt - Maybe: What a Mess! "
  (October 12, 2008)
• "World Bank Group Network Hacked; Chinese IPs Used: Just What We Need "
  (October 10, 2008)

Excerpts from PC World:

"...The bottom line is that computers everywhere are at risk. No matter where you are located, your security plan needs to be bullet proof....

"...Even the big guys may be behind the times when it comes to security.

"According to one of the memos cited by the Fox report, the organization [the World Bank] decided to introduce secure ID for users to access their web email after the breach occurred....

"...The lesson here: Even if you are a massive business with a big budget, a reality check may be in order on your security protocol and policies...." [emphasis mine]
("Four Security Lessons From the World Bank Breach" PC World Business Center (October 10, 2008))

Kudos to the World Bank for introducing the sort of cybersecurity that small-town banks have - after a breach. 'Better late than never,' but as another old saying goes, it's 'locking the barn door after the horse is stolen.'

The World Bank's reputation is like a still pond: tranquil, serene, a mirrored surface reflecting lovely greenery.

Now alternatively-sensible decisions are floating to the surface: and their logical consequences.

In a way, I don't blame mainstream news services from ignoring these issues. The World Bank is an international organization with a noble goal: it would be a shame, in a way, to sully that image.

But, that might be what the World Bank needs, as encouragement to get re-attached to reality.

In the news:

• "Cyber Security Questions Persist at World Bank"
  FOXNews (November 01, 2008)
• "Former Top Cyber Official at Center of World Bank Scandal"
  FOXNews (October 31, 2008)
• "Four Security Lessons From the World Bank Breach"
  PC World Business Center (October 14, 2008)
• "World Bank under cyberattack?"
  CNET (October 10, 2008)