A timely reminder about Data security

This week I attended a seminar on how to be a SIRO, Senior Information Risk Owner

In other words how to protect the organisation from data abuse.

In an age where we are trying to encourage staff to use data and information properly it was useful to be reminded of how things go wrong. In particular we looked at a few examples across the UK and how disaster can be avoided.

The role and value of data and information has changed and become much more valuable as an asset to our organisation

In essence information is;

o   A political issue

o   A key asset

o   A toxic liability

So we considered the challenges that face all organisations and specifically by senior managers. These included:

a.       There is less money to spend on protection. It is seen as an overhead

b.      Sometimes there is a lack of Board support

c.       Whatever we do, we need to “apply controls without strangling the business”

d.      Our response needs to be Proportionate

e.       As well as our own people we need to manage the access of external partners

f.       We must create and deliver a mature approach with staff

g.      We need to make data security relevant to staff

The challenge to leaders therefore is to Lead and Foster cultural change in a rapidly changing technological world.

Whilst we try to create the right balance we need to understand that people coming into our organisations have different expectations and understanding of what technology can do.

CPNI good practice guidance on their website

www.cpni.gov.uk

We considered why people abuse data and information. These included

o   Personal Financial benefit

o   Coercion by another

o   Revenge against an individual group or the organisation

o   A sense of Noble Cause

o   For Political benefit either party or other

o   Perhaps even to gain a sense of Emotional gain

In other words there are a range of reasons and these are not unique or exclusive

It was a useful session delivered well by the NPIA and particularly the ACPO lead.

A very valuable day……………..now where did I put that USB.Drive