Computer server with client data missing at HSBC Hong Kong

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

http://rss.xinhuanet.com/newsc/english/2008-05/08/content_8126223.htm

Edited by: Du Guodong
www.chinaview.cn 
2008-05-08   

HONG KONG, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong branch of banking giant 
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) has lost a 
computer server with client data involving about 159,000 accounts, the 
bank confirmed on Wednesday.
    
The missing information included account number, name of account holders 
and the amount involved in some transactions but no pins or account 
names, HSBC said.
    
The bank said it has reported the case to police after the server went 
missing during renovation work at its Kwun Tong branch in April and 
that, with multiple security measures in place, there were few chances 
that the incident could lead to exploitation.
    
Neither will it affect the banking services as the bank has backed up 
copies of the data in its central computer system, local broadcaster 
RTHK quoted the bank as saying.
    
The bank disclosed the number of clients affected after local media 
speculated on the loss, saying that it has been trying to contact the 
customers involved.
    
The Monetary Authority has demanded that the bank contact all the 
affected customers and explain what measures could be taken to avoid 
potential losses thereof.
    
Some customers were unsatisfied with the banking giant's slow move in 
announcing the incident. Charles Mok, chairman of the local Internet 
Society, said he was concerned.


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