Information Security- State of the Industry

The greatest challenge faced by businesses is to combat their preconceived notions and perceptions about information security. Poor knowledge of data security and myths can lead to incorrect assessment of threats, bad allotment of resources, and wrong priorities for data protection. In addition to that, lack of trained employees and outdated protocols for management of data can become lethal together with the myths that lead to breaches caused by errors of humans.

Surveys suggest that 25% of breaches in data in Canada and 23% of data breach incidents in the US over caused due to poor decision-making, human errors, and ignorance of the employees. Around 33% of the C-suites and 36% of SBOs in the US accepted that human error is a cause for data breaches. In Canada, 40% of C-suites and 42% of SBOs recognized human error as a source for data breaches.

Information security management protocols and training of the employees should go hand in hand at every phase of the business growth. Businesses of all sizes can improve their data security system by effective training on a priority basis. Around 48% of C-suites in the US train their employees once a year or even less about the information security policies adopted in their organization. 38% of SBOS do not train their employees at all at any stage. In Canada, 68% of C-suites trained their employees once a year or less about the information security protocols adopted by them, whereas 41% of SBOs did not train their employees ever.

By looking at these facts, it is clear that reducing the risk of breaches is related to human error and the tools used during work. One of the best ways to confirm information security is to ensure that all employees understand the document management, storage, and destruction protocols of confidential and non-confidential data. Only on implementation of comprehensive training programs, the employees can understand the culture of security and education in business.

Any advanced technology with the best information security management and protection features cannot mitigate the risks completely unless the working employees are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities in the organization regarding data security. Both- small and large businesses can manage sensitive data when they have debunked the security myths and understood the facts well. Only after serious thought to the current knowledge possessed by businesses and their leaders, decisions can be made in favour of customer data protection and the reputation of the industry.

Myth: It is safe to enter personal information on the website if the link comes from reputed and recognizable sources or individuals

Fact: This is the most common mistake committed by the employees of a business. The thieves and frauds utilize the identity of a known individual or agencies for impersonating themselves as banks and government agencies to access bank account information and credentials. These are commonly sent through very deceitful scam emails. They appear and are designed to look real that persuades the reader to provide corporate information. Use of words like please visit the website for more details and verify your identity by entering confidential data are used to trap the employees. It’s a lesson for all that no business or personal information should be entered anywhere without proper investigation about the source and credibility. According to experts, the readers should navigate the website via bookmarks and type on the website directly.

Myth: It is totally safe to dispose of company information in dustbins and recycle bins unless the paper is torn into pieces.

Fact: Document and paper recycling is a healthy practice for protecting the environment. However, open and exposed to recycle bins are an attractive invitation to the infiltrators and malicious insiders. These are the insecure spots from where the torn pieces of paper can be removed and rearranged for inferring important data. To prevent such risk of a data breach, there should be locked consoles available in the open spaces in the office. Every document before entering the recycle phase must be shredded to the tiniest bits using professional shredding techniques occasionally to maintain document protection policies. Also, it is an effective method to maintain balance with the environment by recycling paper.

Myth: Using smartphones and other devices at work is completely safe until it is password protected

Fact: It is unreasonable and unfeasible to disallow employees from using their own devices at work. Allowing employees to use their own devices can create greater flexibility and work comfort. But even if the personal devices are password protected or have strong security protocols, the devices should not be used for professional work. But if they are still used for professional jobs, they must be encrypted and made and readable to any outsider. In case the device is lost or stolen, the encryption will protect the private data is stored in the devices and automatically delete every single piece of data Present in the device. Bring your own device protocol should be adopted to protect the corporate systems.

Myth: Removing data from a hard drive with a magnet results in permanent deletion of information

Fact: Hard drives are resistant to magnets. The sophisticated technological advancement has led to better designing and performance of hard drives. The data on the hard drive is accessible even after it goes corrupt or a magnet is used over it. Only with a properly-designed physical destruction protocol in place, some assurance about the permanent data deletion can be given. Without physical destruction, employees might unknowingly expose confidential information to third parties that recycle or resell the electronic items. Physical destruction of hard drives can be carried out by taking assistance from a third party. Professionals must perform the secure and unrecoverable hard drive destruction.

Myth: It is safe to keep documents and working materials on the desk

Fact: It might seem harmless to place sheets of paper and private data documents on the working desk. However, it is highly disregarded to place confidential and sensitive information containing papers on the desk since it is vulnerable to physical theft. If the organizations implement a clean desk policy according to which all the documents after and before work should be placed in lockers and cabinets. By introducing this policy, the risks of fraud are reduced significantly. The employees are also aware of organization skills and decluttering the desk frequently. It can be encouraging for the employees to get appreciated for maintaining clean and sophisticated desks.

On failing to assure that the employees understand and follow the policies and protocols for information security, businesses put themselves at greater risk of reputation and customer loss. On prioritizing data protection, new growth opportunities can be achieved. It promotes an environment of discipline, trust, confidence, and development among the employees. So bust these myths and misinformation is today and take the path of security and establishment of faith.