The rise of social networks, for example, has aided an increasingly common kind of attack known as spear-phishing, says Greg Bell, global service leader for KPMG's information protection practice.

WSJ: Tech Companies Struggle to Keep Hackers at Bay

"We have, for example, worked to raise awareness of good practice in data handling and information sharing through a series of seminars for organisations with responsibility for handing a variety of sensitive information, " he said.

BBC: Confidential data 'not kept safe'

The hedge fund industry is on the edge of a transparency frontier, but the current practice for how the majority of information on large funds is being handled is inefficient at best.

FORBES: Hedge Fund Transparency: Is It Possible?

Put that information on the Web and let people see it to hold doctors and hospitals accountable for how they practice.

FORBES: Uwe Reinhardt

Still veteran pretexter Rapp doubts any new law will completely stop the practice, so long as someone, like HP, has a need for the information.

NPR: Pretexting Is Alive and Well in Corporate America

"BSI is delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the DRC to develop best practice guidelines for commissioning accessible websites, and to help provide disabled people with increased access to information, products and services online, " he said.

BBC: NEWS | Technology | New standards for website access

"I think the Information Commissioner should investigate this matter as I think it important for the residents of Norfolk to find out whether this practice is widespread within the council and what actions can be taken if possible breaches have occurred, " he said.

BBC: Derrick Murphy