How hard is it to secure your data?

CIOs must protect their systems from outsiders as well as insiders. A recent survey conducted last month by RSA found that one-third of those surveyed had to work around their organization's security policies to get the job done. And that means an added vulnerability to anyone's system. These insiders are just as good as outside hackers in finding data that is not secured or exploiting weak security policies. There are plenty of ways to break through security. One of them is sending email attachments with sensitive documents. Another way is accessing work email at a public computer. It's hard to believe that anyone with a technology background would do this. But don't be surprised because it happens.

The survey found that two thirds of people who were surveyed sometimes leave their workplace carrying a mobile device such as a laptop that holds sensitive information relating to their jobs. Is this a nightmare for a CIO? It sure is. Not only that, eight percent of those surveyed reported that they had lost a mobile device with company information on it. By now, every CIO should have rules of the road in place for their employees. If they don't, does that mean the CIO is derelict, too?

For more on protecting your data:
- See this CIO Magazine Article