The Threat of Online Security : How safe is our data?

Security today is definitely acknowledged and being addressed from the highest level of management down in most sectors. It’s because the problems has become ever more complex and important as investment into IT and communications has increased. The result is that the availability, integrity and safeguarding of intellectual property among other aspects are now paramount if organizations expect to operate effectively and competitively. For better or worse, much of the world is wired. As well, the passing of legislation by governments and industry bodies has forced many sectors to respond and obey the laws and rules which carry requirements for IT security compliance.

Do you think our data is safe from any threats? Well, it’s not, an astounding 81 percent of companies polled by the Ponemon Institute in 2007 reported the loss of one or more laptop computers containing sensitive information during the previous year. Concern over security on data has increased however security softwares are not enough to keep our data totally safe. Many small businesses believe a security breach won't happen to their employees. Most of the excuses range from, "Who would be interested in our data, anyway?" to, "It wouldn't affect the company." But those are just excuses. The reality is that every time you or your employees leave the office, they're putting your company's important data at risk. Unless you take precautions now, you could end up compromising that information and possibly damaging your company.

However, ways to recover from data stolen or lostthese are few ideas or ways to keep your data safe from harm of threats or viruses or etc.

1. Encrypt it. - Simple use of the Encrypting File System (EFS) or Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) is probably more than ample.

2. Back it up. - Make sure to back up all important files before turn off or logout the computer.

3. Don't work from an unsecured computer - Directly connect to a remote server for document and data management, preferable from your own PC or PDA. Many of public computers are infected with spyware that monitors and records your keystrokes.

4. Use a password to lock up your data - Passwords are among the simplest and most reliable form of data protection available

5. Save in a pendrive or any USB memory devices - Instead of carrying your company's sensitive data on a PC or PDA, keep it on a memory stick or portable hard drive. In that way, it doesn't matter if your laptop is stolen or damaged, your data will be fine as long as you have the USB memory device