Page 20 of Cold Silence
“I didn’t know it was a dummy,” she said, not liking his tone.
“What’s a dummy?” Travis asked.
“The monitor connects directly to the network, which acts as an input/output device for the terminal. So every action is handled by the server and not a hard drive on a PC. No hard drive means nothing for me to copy. I need immediate access to the network.”
“This is good news for me.” Sierra gave Nick a pointed smile. “I can get my guys on processing that room now.”
“Yep,” Nick said, his attention still on Claire. “Can you issue that password now?”
She looked at Sierra. “Do you need anything else from me?”
“We’re good to get started.” She smiled. “I’ll find you if I need anything else.”
Claire nodded and then spun to leave for her office. Multiple sets of footfalls trailed behind her, and she assumed Nick and Travis followed. She sat behind her desk while the men stood over her on the other side. Nervous under Nick’s scrutiny, she located the correct program to create a login and password for him. She jotted the information on a sticky note.
“Looks like you don’t have two-factor authentication for that program.” His deep tone declared what he thought of that.
He was talking about when a person attempted to log into a program and the software provided an authentication code to confirm the identity of the person logging in.
“We don’t,” she admitted.
“You really need to add it. Someone could have stolen your login details to create a new network login. Odds would be much lower if they had to confirm access on a phone or computer.” He eyed her.
“Budget constraints,” she said. This theft would hopefully force the Army to cough up more money for them to upgrade their systems. She would have a serious talk with their security manager about it. “If that happened, you should be able to see the login used to create these new credentials.”
He nodded. “And then we can compare it to the legit logins to see if we can track the thief that way.”
“At least that’s good news,” she said, hoping to eliminate the scowl on his face.
But he continued to watch her, his mouth turned down. “Tell me at least none of you can access your computers without a password.”
“We can’t,” she said, still feeling inept even with her degree in IT. “Once you finish, would you mind giving me a list of security improvements we should make? I can review it with my manager and fight for the funds to increase the level.”
“Be glad to.” His expression softened. “I know I’m coming on strong. Sorry about that. Security and prevention is my passion, and I don’t pull any punches. I can’t say if you implemented these security features that the theft would’ve happened or not. Depends on your thief’s skills. But I like your attitude about wanting to improve.”
She appreciated the backhanded compliment. “I don’t ever want this to happen again.”
“I get that for sure.” He actually smiled. “Now if you’ll show me to your server room, I’ll get started on rooting out this thief.”
She handed him the sticky note.
He studied it and gave a nod of approval. “At least you’re using very strong passwords. Letters. Numbers. Caps. Symbols. All random and long. Would be hard to crack them.” His eyebrow went up, and his approval morphed into pursed lips. “Which likely means the thief had your information.”
“Impossible.” She crossed her arms. “I take great care in not sharing my passwords with anyone. Not even my assistant.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Ever log into your computer when one of your staff members is in the room with you?”
“Well, yeah, but?—”
“Do you attempt to hide your keystrokes?”
“Not really.”
“So it’s possible someone saw the keys you pressed.”
“I suppose, but?—”
“But you can’t imagine anyone who works with you doing that?” He leaned forward and tapped his finger on her desk. “Corporate espionage is rampant in our country, Dr. Reed. Particularly when it comes to stealing trade secrets. Just because you’re a small company and know all the people who work for you doesn’t make you immune to that—as is likely evidenced by the theft.”
