Protecting Against Damaging Breaches

The changing technological landscape has produced a number of new challenges for companies concerned about data security. The proliferation of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies has opened up new gateways for cybercriminals to gain access to private networks and get their hands on sensitive corporate information. In order to prevent these files from being compromised, IT teams need to refocus their data security solutions.

Biztech2 recently spoke with John Kendall of Unisys APAC about the dangers posed to data security and the potential fallout from a severe breach. A lapse in data security can result in a significant loss of money and reputation. According to a poll that Kendall's organization conducted, 85 percent of Australians surveyed said data breaches provided suitable grounds to terminate a business relationship. Sixty-four percent said they would expose the security lapse to the public. Meanwhile, 47 percent said they would go so far as to take legal action against a company that allowed their information to be compromised.

Kendall cited the increased use of mobile devices as a major security concern for organizations, but IT teams could mitigate the risk by making some changes to their operations. Protecting the data stored on an employee's smartphone or tablet is essential. By using data encryption techniques, IT managers can protect sensitive company files from being accessed even in the event that an employee's mobile device falls into the wrong hands.

Banktech contributor Deena Coffman provided additional steps companies can take to secure their corporate information. She recommended that businesses manage data according to their needs. If files need to be used by employees on a regular basis they should be made readily available, although secured to prevent unwanted access. Other files that are only used intermittently should be stored in a location with little to no external access.