Security breach fuels concern

DATA FRAUD - HOW SECURE IS YOUR BUSINESS?

With headlines continuing to confirm the shear number of instances where data is simply being lost or stolen, it’s no wonder thousands of UK businesses large and small are re-evaluating their position on data storage.

The two disc’s lost recently by the Government containing personal details of 25 million people from across the UK, firmly placed the spotlight on data security, and as we look forward to yet another year, there are many positive lessons we can learn from the Government’s mistakes according to data security and convergence solutions specialist, Converged Solutions Limited (CSL).

CSL director, Kevin Foster, said: “We are all aware of how important it is to keep information secure. No one would willingly give out personal details nor would businesses freely divulge employee information. The Data Protection Act protects both businesses and the individual on how information can be used or passed on. As more and more of us find our information committed to computer data files, the need for secure solutions for data storage grows; but what happens when this information is no longer needed?”

CSL, answering an ever-increasing number of calls concerning data security, are experts within this specialist arena, working as they do with more and more companies to help address secure data eradication issues for redundant storage devices, without having a negative impact on the environment. The provision of a secure onsite client enclosure for customer-controlled management of hard disc drives (HDDs) awaiting destruction, CSL with specialist HDD shredding equipment specifically adapted for mobile or static operation, can complete the whole destruction process, an operation which can either be performed off-site or at the customer’s premises without the need for client power supply connection. Said Kevin: “Total data destruction is the only real answer.”

Commenting on audit trail concerns, Kevin said: “A certificate of destruction is issued on completion of destruction of the storage media. The process is witnessed by the client with a detailed list of serial numbers of all destroyed devices provided, offering the client an auditable track and trace facility for all destroyed assets, with the end product 100% environmentally friendly.”

The process offers W.E.E.E recycling compliance. “The end debris complies fully with the WEEE Directive and UK legislation,” said Kevin. “CSLs reprocessing of the raw materials produces a bi-product that not only makes the data irretrievable, it is totally environmentally friendly and 100% re-useable.”

With legislation not only requiring businesses to be compliant, it states they must also prove to be safe and to provide secure flaw-proof method of eradicating data on redundant storage devices.

“With a dedicated account manager assigned to each client, customer confidence in the destruction process is addressed as they are invited to view the entire process,” said Kevin “Utilising CSLs scheduled or adhoc site visit appointment system, which ever suits."

Speaking at this year’s Automata’s business continuity management conference at the Hayley conference centre in Old Windsor, (BCM Challenges for 2008” - 31st January to the 1st February), CSL will provide information on emerging safeguards and discuss today’s business data challenges and how business can adequately address them.