07 Nov 2008
More than 280 million people worldwide have lost personal details because of data breaches in the last three years, according to a KPMG study.
Almost half (46 per cent) of cases had no password protection or encryption, while nearly two thirds (62 per cent) were cases of data being lost rather than stolen.
Better procedures are needed in the public and private sector, according to Malcolm Marshall a partner at KPMG.
“Finding possible leakages and ensuring internal procedures with clear definitions are in place will reduce companies’ risk of becoming a victim of data loss," he said.
"Policies and controls should be continually reviewed due to changes in technologies, processes and personnel.”
The public sector was responsible for 19 per cent of data losses with education and healthcare being the most vulnerable sectors.
Fourteen per cent of losses were in financial services, which is among the most targeted industries by those looking to steal data.
Hacking accounted for more than 60 million victims of data loss between 2007 and 2008.
During 2007, 62 per cent of all people affected by hacking were the victims of three major incidents, including the intrusion into the computer systems of TJX Companies in the US, owner of retailer TK Maxx.
As most people are honest at least if you have a means of returning a device there is a good chance you would get it back.
Take a look at www.usbstickfinder.com or www.gadgettrack.com.
The guy's at the Lancs health Authority did it, so why not.
www.e-health-insider.com/news/4201/lancashire_takes_charge_of_usb_ports
Posted by: Ritchie 17 Nov 2008
Everyone agrees that data loss is a serious problem, for the private sector as well as government.
All this, despite huge investments in so-called information security.
Companies and government have information handling policies coming out of their ears but don't seem to have any means of measuring their effectiveness in the sphere of Information Governance.
I have put together a brief outline of some practical measures that could be adopted, easily, by any organisation.
My quick guide (Measures for preserving stakeholder confidence) is available as a free download from my website - see this page:
http://tinyurl.com/5dmzap
This is my contribution to help people who want to improve their own Information Governance.
Posted by: Colin Beveridge 07 Nov 2008
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