Monster Worldwide (NASDAQ: MNST) announced today that it is
proactively notifying all job seekers with an active resume on Monster
sites about preventative measures they can take to protect themselves
from online fraud. Additionally, the Company has announced it will
institute a comprehensive set of new systems and processes designed to
enhance existing security and minimize such threats in the future.
As recently reported, Monster became aware of illegal activity
that involved the downloading of information such as names, addresses,
phone numbers, and email addresses for 1.3 million job seekers with
resumes posted on Monster.com. Monster does not generally collect
social security numbers or financial data about its job seekers, such
as bank account information or credit card accounts. Monster responded
by conducting a comprehensive review of internal processes and
procedures, and notified these job seekers that their contact records
had been downloaded illegally. In addition, the Company is working
with law enforcement officials and the appropriate regulatory
agencies.
The Company has determined that this was not an isolated incident.
As is the case with many companies that maintain large databases of
information, Monster is from time to time subject to illegal attempts
to extract information from its database. Despite ongoing analysis,
the scope of this illegal activity is impossible to pinpoint. Monster
believes illegally downloaded contact information may be used to lure
job seekers into opening a "phishing" email that attempts to acquire
sensitive financial information. This has been the case in similar
attacks on other Web sites.
To enhance the security of the job seekers on its site, Monster is
proactively reaching out to all users who have resumes posted to
inform them about preventative measures they can take to protect
themselves from online fraud. While no company can completely prevent
unauthorized access to data, Monster believes that by reaching out to
users, the company can help users better defend themselves against
those who have attacked Monster as well as other databases.
"Protecting the job seekers who use our Web site is a top priority
at Monster," said Sal Iannuzzi, Chairman and CEO of Monster Worldwide.
"These issues are increasingly prevalent throughout the Internet,
which is why Monster is enhancing its security and reaching out to
everyone with an active resume on our site. We believe these actions
are the responsible steps to protect our valued job seekers and
customers."
Monster also launched a series of initiatives it is taking to
enhance security controls for its Web site. These initiatives are part
of the infrastructure improvements that were announced by Monster
before the recently reported attack. The initiatives include:
-- Implementing new robust capabilities for worldwide monitoring
and surveillance of site traffic
-- Reviewing and tightening all site access policies and controls
-- Launching a series of targeted initiatives to protect job
seeker contact information
In addition, the Company has augmented its Web Site Security Task
Force by adding executive level staff, and going forward the task
force will report directly to the Chairman and CEO. The Company has
also engaged several industry security experts with proven track
records of successfully working with global Internet companies to
protect their users.
Finally, Monster is committed to maintaining an ongoing dialogue
with its job seekers and customers about Internet security and the
steps it is taking to protect its users. The Company has placed a
security alert on the Monster.com site that offers an abundance of
information to educate users about online fraud and the measures they
can take to protect themselves. This information can be found at
http://help.monster.com/besafe/.
About Monster Worldwide
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), parent company of
Monster(R), the premier global online employment solution for more
than a decade, strives to bring people together to advance their
lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe,
and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with
quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career
advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and
services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted
audiences to advertisers. Monster Worldwide is a member of the S&P 500
Index and the NASDAQ 100. To learn more about Monster's
industry-leading products and services, visit www.monster.com. More
information about Monster Worldwide is available at
www.monsterworldwide.com.
Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information
contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and
uncertainties, including statements regarding Monster Worldwide,
Inc.'s strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain
factors, including factors outside of Monster Worldwide's control, may
cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the
forward-looking statements, including economic and other conditions in
the markets in which Monster Worldwide operates, risks associated with
acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed
in Monster Worldwide's Form 10-K and other filings made with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
