Research: Personal Information Top Target of Cyber Attacks

Customer, student, employee and patient information is most at risk for cyber attacks today, and defending that data is a top concern for IT professionals this year, according to the Data Loss Straw Poll, a national survey published today by CDW LLC.

Concern about data loss is well founded: One in four organizations has experienced a data loss in the last two years. Many organizations report breaches jeopardizing their network, email or other sensitive information, CDW found in its poll, which examines data security concerns across industries, including medium and large businesses, financial services and healthcare organizations and higher education institutions.

One IT professional at a financial services company noted: “Security is harder every day due to the ease with which personal information is gained.”

Data loss comes at a cost: A Ponemon Institute study published in March found that organizations suffering a data loss in 2011 paid an average of $5.5 million per breach, which translates into an average of $194 per record lost.

“The damage resulting from data loss -- to the bottom line and to an organization’s reputation -- is very real,” said Christine Holloway, vice president of converged infrastructure solutions, CDW. “Perhaps it should come as no surprise that IT professionals view data loss as the greatest business risk to organizations this year. As telework and access to mobile computing grows, preventing data loss is increasingly important -- and increasingly complex.”

CDW’s survey shows that the number of people accessing business networks increased by an average of 41 percent during the last two years. Inadequate security policies contribute to security challenges: While most organizations allow employees to access their networks with personal mobile devices, security policies for employee-owned devices are often less strict than for employer-owned devices. Twenty-seven percent of IT professionals said they do not have security policies for employee-owned mobile devices.

Organizations that give their data security an “A” grade layer nearly all available data loss prevention measures, including encrypted storage, backup and email gateway; endpoint data loss prevention and security solutions; full-disk encryption; and Web security filters. Organizations with “A” security are also more likely than others to require employee-owned mobile devices to comply with defined security procedures before they are granted network access.

Data loss prevention solutions help to protect personal, financial and research and development data, and they also flag any data being handled in a way that deviates from established security policies. CDW recently achieved Master Specialist designation in data loss prevention from Symantec. The designation recognizes investment and deep expertise in delivering advanced consulting and technical services in Symantec data loss prevention.

“No organization appears to be immune from data loss -- blue-chip companies, small business, schools and governments have been affected,” said Rick Hanson, senior director of sales, Symantec. “Prevention is essential. Organizations that layer security solutions to address network endpoints, data at rest and data in motion are more aware of potential security threats, less susceptible to breaches and better able to respond when a breach occurs.”

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.