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Privacy expert weighs in on security breach of ServiceOntario kiosks

June 11, 2012

Some of Canada's leading privacy and security experts are in support of the government's decision last week to shut down ServiceOntario kiosks after possible security breaches were reported, according to a press release from www.PrivacyExperts.ca. The action is in compliance with Ontario's privacy laws as well as new best practices unveiled in an original publication, "Managing Personal Information: Insights on Corporate Risk and Opportunity for Privacy-Savvy Leaders."

"The recent compromise of four ServiceOntario locations is reminiscent of the fake debit and credit card readers and 'skimmers' popular in the greater Toronto area over the past few years," said primary author and security expert Claudiu Popa. "These types of attempts on ATMs and kiosks are nothing new, so MGS acted appropriately in shutting down the other locations and notifying the public of the breach at the earliest opportunity."

The publication addresses the privacy and security issues faced by the public sector with original content aimed at a broad audience of leaders, directors and their trusted advisers. According to one recent study, the public sector is suffering from an almost 30 percent annual rate of growth in security and privacy compromises.

"That kind of statistic points to the need for swift action, adequate disclosure and continuous improvement, all of which are specifically covered in the book. The Ministry of Government Services took the right initial approach in following its own GO-ITS policy framework by leveraging partners and involving law enforcement. We hope they will follow this up with the adequate application of monitoring and corrective controls in the future," Popa said.

Read more about bill pay kiosks.