protect data

FTC offers tutorial on data protection

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 06:59:57 -0500

Business is not the only entity with concerns about hacking and the unauthorized use of personal data. The Federal Trade Commission is so concerned that it has launched an online tutorial for employers to develop ways to secure sensitive information. Although the tips included do not address specific companies, it is a handy way to help employers teach their employees about the best way to handle data and what gaps to look for in making sure data is not grabbed out of a company's database. The tutorial explains the basic principles of how to protect data and how an office needs to take stock of what it has and plan ahead. It also includes steps to improve data security.

For more on the FTC tutorial:
- See this Article

Chaos across the pond

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 07:00:00 -0500

It was a bad week in England when it was disclosed that the personal identity and banking details of 25 million Britons had been lost in the government's internal mail system. The outrage and fallout was similar to several cases that have occurred in the United States when both public and private sector data went missing.

The British government says that it does not know how two compact discs containing the material disappeared. That is not too different from some circumstances here in this country. And it raises the issue of how to protect data around the world at a time when electronic files have become the norm everywhere, not the exception. "Half the country will be very anxious about the safety of their family and the security of their bank accounts, and the whole country will be wondering how on Earth the government allowed this to happen," said the opposition Conservative Party's shadow chancellor, George Osborne.

More importantly, the world is still in its infancy in protecting electronic data and merely saying it is protected does not make it so. There are plenty of tools on the market to restrict access to data, to back it up and to keep it protected. The big question is: are you protecting yours? You should take a second look at what is under wraps and inaccessible to anyone but a very small circle. -Judi

Where to put the data?

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 06:59:59 -0400

Your garage is just not big enough to store all of the data that your company expels each year. And it's getting harder and harder for many CIOs to find a safe place to store all that information. You could try Iron Mountain, which transmits data to a secret location in Pennsylvania. Or you could try someplace more local. To meet this demand, there are several projects underway in Northern Virginia, one of the biggest data hubs in the United States, to store and protect data closer to its origin. Data-center construction accelerated this year, according to John Kraft, chief executive of Server Vault, a data center manager in Northern Virginia. For CIOs, data storage is a growing problem especially in the wake of two recent catastrophes--Sept. 11, 2001, and the Katrina hurricane which devastated parts of the South. It is estimated that there are now 15,000 to 20,000 data centers across the country. Where is yours, and do you need more space?

For more on this:
- see Washington Post article

Survey: Businesses lack adequate security plans

Tue, 15 May 2007 20:01:39 -0400

A recent survey conducted by technology services firm Scott & Scott in conjunction with the Ponemon Institute found that businesses are still unprepared to deal with data breaches. The survey found that businesses don't have proper security policies in place, are not taking advantage of encryption technology to protect data, and aren't consulting with legal counsel before responding to an event which could leave them vulnerable to legal liabilities. The survey also pointed out the need for encryption technology on all devices containing confidential information.

Read more survey results:
- read the article at Dr. Dobb's Portal

ALSO:
- read this on picking up the pieces after a data breach
- this on maintaining vigilance in an insecure world
- this on controlling information access
- and this on layered security

Mobile security is Job One

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 19:01:38 -0500

Protecting the network perimeter is more important than ever before, thanks to the proliferation of smartphones, laptops and other mobile devices in the workplace. The use of mobile equipment is highest among executives, but use by workers at all levels is expected to increase significantly over the next few years. Because mobile devices have enjoyed a slow but steady growth in the workplace, they have largely flown under the radar, and according to recent research, nearly half of companies have no security and compliance measures in place to protect data on those devices, despite the fact that some of those devices store critical corporate data.

To learn more about the importance of securing mobile technology:
- read the article from eWeek

Related Articles:
Best practices in managing mobile devices. Report
Mobile security tool for SMBs. Report

SPOTLIGHT: Where are all the CPOs?

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 19:01:34 -0500

A few years back, the intense spotlight put on protecting confidential data and corporate privacy initiatives brought forth the idea of hiring a chief privacy officer to work alongside tech leaders and chief executives in making sure a breach didn't hurt the bottom line. Yet for all its promise and the projected need for such a business leader, there aren't too many CPOs to be found. Despite this, the need to protect data is more critical than ever. Article

Drive encryption secures laptop data

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 19:01:37 -0500

Any organization with mobile workers is always on the lookout for stronger laptop security, especially given the recent rash of laptop thefts and data breaches that have taken place during the past year. One of the latest tools to hit the market is Seagate's latest encryption technology. The vendor is debuting a new line of hard drives that boast built-in encryption tech that renders information useless to anyone lacking the proper clearance. The tool uses a 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard to protect data on the drive.

For more on the newest laptop security solution:
- check out the news at BusinessWeek

D-day for HP

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 20:01:39 -0400

Today's the big day for HP executives as they appear to testify at congressional hearings regarding the boardroom leak scandal. The scandal forced a number of resignations including the general counsel Ann Baskins today as well as HP's senior counsel, the global investigator and chairwoman Patricia Dunn. As lawmakers delve into HP investigation tactics, there's an underlying concern with lawmakers about the prevalence of "pre-texting" within corporate America. It's clear that even once the focus on HP has diminished, the issues of a business' right to protect data and personal privacy rights will continue to be hotly debated.

For more on the latest with HP:
- read this CNET News.com special report

PLUS: HP planning huge IT cuts due to automation efforts. Article

Crafting a privacy strategy is critical to business

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 20:01:35 -0400

Given the current state of affairs when it comes to consumer identity and data theft incidents occurring on a consistent basis, the issue of client, partner and user privacy is a growing concern and focal point for all business leaders. For the CIO, it presents a prime opportunity to prove leadership skills and take charge, says one expert, as tech leaders must be at the helm of any data protection approach and data security policy. Not only do you have to determine the best way to manage and protect data, but you also must decipher exactly what data your company finds necessary for business operations. The adage that less is more when it comes to client information is a rule to live by, say experts.

For more on a good privacy policy:
- take a look at this article at CIO.com

ALSO NOTED: Feds want new d-base to track all spending; IBM supports supercomputing for cancer research; and much more...

Sun, 23 Jul 2006 20:01:33 -0400

> Feds want a new database to track all spending. Article

> IBM supports supercomputing effort on cancer research. Article

> Canadian firms banning iPods, handheld music devices to protect data. Article

> Trying to trace malware senders is often a futile exercise. Article

> India's effort to block blogs ignites angry backlash over censorship. Article

> The consumer view of e-healthcare. Article

> Pushing back Vista release would be an expensive decision. Article

> Using mobile CRM to dump inefficient paper-based systems. Article

And Finally... Ultrasound tech may be next battlefield medical tool. Article