Data security a primary task for small businesses
Wed, 30 Jun 2010
Small businesses have been reminded that protecting sensitive data is an ongoing, year-round job.
Writing for Fresh Business Thinking, Ramsac managing director Robert May said the onus is on all businesses to take appropriate steps and continually monitor security levels.
He noted that the proliferation of mobile devices has increased the risks to businesses, with there being "hugely widened scope" for loss of sensitive data.
Mr May has urged firms to ensure that all data and applications are password-protected and tightly controlled.
Businesses should also be taking steps to limit the amount of data that can be physically copied and removed from designated company sites, he claimed.
"Where data is legitimately physically removed from the premises on mobile devices, make sure sensitive data files are held in secure, password or encrypted files so that even if they are lost/stolen the data cannot be accessed by unauthorised people," Mr May warned.
He also urged business owners to be fully aware of the risks of online data loss, and of the potential for hackers to break into business IT systems.
Earlier this month, Tom Wickham-Jones, director of kernel technology at Wolfram Research, noted that data best practice is essential for businesses of all sizes.
Posted by Alex Boardman
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