Business Leaders Approaches And Obstacles To Data Security Unlocked

A DMH Stallard panel debate held yesterday, Securing Your Data in the Data Explosion, saw a lively discussion amongst over 40 senior business leaders on both the strategic and technical issues surrounding data security.

Key issues raised by the panel, with speakers from ASOS, Blackfoot, DMH Stallard and Ramsac, included the pros and cons of Bring Your Own Device polices, the issues surrounding the deletion of data and the role of IT departments in moving businesses forward in an increasingly data driven age.

Discussions and debate revealed some reluctance and uncertainty from directors on how to adopt best practice to address some of the issues raised, which was attributed to a number of factors. Security, compliance and who to ask for a second opinion remain key obstacles to moving the businesses forward in terms of IT innovation.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Managing Mobile User Access

"Who owns the device, who owns the data and what is the risk for me?"

Both the audience and the panel were divided on the benefits of a BYOD policy allowing users to supply their own devices and the potential pitfalls that such a policy would bring.

BYOD offers employees and corporations countless business benefits from increased efficiency to controlled costs on providing a mobile workforce. The culture of BYOD is growing across all types of organisations, but can leave businesses open to huge potential risks if their security issues are not appropriate.

"Empower your staff, make them care and make them aware. Let your staff realise that their own personal data may be at risk if best practice and your policies are not followed."

Attendees highlighted that businesses who embrace BYOD can gain significant competitive advantage. By creating an enabling culture, not only does worker satisfaction increase, and the consensus was that businesses are likely to get more out of their staff as a result. BYOD programs also offer the potential to shift costs onto the user, saving businesses additional expense.

However, attendees were wary of several issues with concern centred on the lack on control over the IT hardware and how it was used. One attendee stated that their organisation would be hesitant to develop such a policy as they remain cautious of the potential blurring of the lines between the professional and personal lives of their employees. Another stated the issues surrounding increasingly popular products, including iPhones and Blackberrys, may lead...