The most common indicators:
Systems beyond management understanding
The ever increasing pace of technology means that the business systems inherent in any organisation today evolve quickly to a point which is beyond the understanding of the management. Vast and complex business systems develop into monsters where no single person has a clear view of what is or should be going on. Developments often take place in a piecemeal fashion, with project groups or programmers frequently changing.

Is there anyone left who knows what each part of the system should do?

Is someone exploiting the weakness in your system and your lack of understanding?

If you don’t understand what is going on inside your systems, you are not in control! You are leaving yourself wide open to computer related fraud or abuse and even email misuse.

Cost cutting
The constant commercial pressures and the need for economy often mean that essential controls are sacrificed. Inappropriate delegation of responsibility can lead to situations where one person can enjoy an unchecked position of power, e.g. does the same person who authorises payments to suppliers also sign the cheques?

Essential systems documentation and procedures are often skipped in order to make short term savings. This is a very common and highly misguided saving – what happens if that essential ‘cog in the wheel’ leaves? (e.g. the only programmer who understands your accounting system).

Low staff morale
Unhappy staff are a common danger sign. It does not take long for a disgruntled employee to come to the conclusion that the company owes them something, and given the right opportunity they could defraud or cause long term damage to the company.

Unusual work patterns
Beware of the individuals that work unusual hours, do not take lunch breaks, and never take holidays. What are they afraid of? Are they extremely conscientious or are they worried someone may find out what they have been up to?

Staff with expensive tastes
Another well known danger sign is staff who appear to be living beyond their means. Do they take expensive holidays? Drive expensive cars? What about expensive hobbies or habits (e.g. gambling)?

Enthusiasts
The computer ‘enthusiast’ is a commonly overlooked danger area. Many companies rely heavily on people who are not trained IT professionals, putting their valuable business systems in the hands of computer hobbyists. At best this can waste a lot of time and money with the development of fundamentally flawed systems. At worst they are trusting in the integrity and skills of an individual who could exploit his knowledge and control over the systems for personal gain.

How Vogon can help
Vogon’s Investigators have a very wide experience of complex business systems, and the fields of computer fraud and abuse, gained from both the auditing and investigation perspectives. They will undertake detailed assessments of the particular strengths and weaknesses of your systems, the degree of reliance you should place on internal controls, and make recommendations for appropriate corrective measures.

For immediate assistance please visit our emergency page for a list of contact phone numbers and enquiry form. To discuss your future Computer Forensic or Computer Security requirements with one our experienced investigators please contact us by letter, phone or email.