Data protection and IT security: Are your employees the weak link?
StumbleUponWe’ve all heard the maxim: “Security is only as strong as its weakest link”. Companies can surround themselves with the latest high-tech security, – eight-foot fences, biometrics, firewalls, antivirus scanners, encryption – but it only takes one un-educated employee to throw all of that out of the window. By Graeme Batsman.
By Graeme Batsman
In an era where data is digital and business is conducted online, cyber-attacks are potentially the greatest threat to any modern business and the consequences from loss of data can be particularly devastating.
Many companies spend thousands or even tens of thousands (though many more do not) on the digital equivalent of ten-foot security fences; including biometrics, firewalls, antivirus scanners and encryption, but fail where it matters most; human error. Paradoxically advanced security software can often lead to a lax attitude towards security among staff, but as the old maxim goes, “security is only as strong as its weakest link.”
Research from Data Defender Ltd shows that an alarming proportion of UK businesses protect vital data by setting passwords as the company name or simply as ‘password’; leaving them vulnerable to attack. Industry is also increasingly under threat from phishing and viruses sent by email, but staff are seldom trained about the inherent risks. The proliferation of smart phones and tablet computers coupled with an increase in flexible working hours mean more and more external devices are plugged in to corporate networks, with many staff and even IT specialists unaware of the inherent dangers that these devices bring.
In fact, a recent survey of 700 UK workers revealed that 64% of them had received no training on IT security issues, including prevention of malware and loss of sensitive data. While many staff are conscience of the role they play in protecting a company, a significant minority are oblivious, or worse, ambivalent about the dangers.
A large proportion of workers do not see data security as an issue while others view it only as a problem for the IT department and technical staff. With the use of advanced hardware and software now ubiquitous and access to company data at our fingertips, we must all take responsibility for protecting our digital lives. There are many simple, cost effective measures that companies can take to improve security, without in-depth technical knowledge. Often what is required is the right training and a change of mind-set. Many people assume that IT and technical issues are beyond them, but that does not need to be the case.
Social engineering is also a big problem which is mainly unheard of. An outsider uses his social skills to manipulate staff by, for example, pretending to be a manager or an IT technician to gain details of passwords or files. People are trained to be helpful and this is why it generally a big risk.
See more tips on security on the link: http://www.nmk.co.uk/articles/1885
About the author and the company
Graeme Batsman is consultant director at Data Defender Ltd which provides data and communications security as well as IT security user awareness training. Graeme has previously worked for some of the world’s most respected corporations including Marks and Spencer and Deutsche Bank. Graeme is triple certified in computer security, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator) and Comptia Security+.
Data Defender Ltd is a UK company devoted to defending the integrity of our clients’ data. We offer bespoke services matching the needs of all our clients, including data encryption and self-destruct systems for data identified to be at risk. As we see it, this means we do a lot more than provide data defence systems: we are also a vital frontline protection service for your most valuable asset: namely, your reputation.
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