Evolution of USB Usage Needed as Stronger Legislation Imposes Fines for Data Loss
As of the 6th of April 2010 UK organisations that lose data could be fined up to £500,000 under new laws from the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) to promote data security. Legislation over the handling of information is a global trend and being brought in as damaging data losses are occurring every day, with the average cost of each breach estimated to be £112 per compromised record, according to the Ponemon Institute.
There is simply no organisation today that does not recognise the risks of losing people’s data on portable media like USB sticks. We need to act now and adopt the technology that is readily available and proven.
You have a chance to join the USB evolution online right now by filling out the form and receiving your organizations first SafeStick for free.
Request a Free SafeStick to Start Your USB Evolution Today
Why is BlockMaster launching a #usbEvolution?
BlockMaster is launching a #usbEvolution to educate organisations on security best practice as new laws come into effect that enable the ICO to fine organisations up to £500,000 for a breach of the Data Protection Act.
Anders Pettersson, CSO, BlockMaster Security, comments: “It is critical we provide organisations with the tools they need to protect against evolving data breach threats and believe that if devices are made with the user in mind, adoption will increase and breaches will decrease. Human error will always be a problem, so it is critical that we remove the security responsibility from the user and empower central administrators to take control of devices carrying important company information.”
What is happening with data breaches in the UK today?
On April 6th fines can be levied by the ICO when one of the eight principles of the Data Protection Act (DPA) have been seriously breached and if the ICO believes the breach is deliberate or that the data controller knew, or ought to have known, of the contravention risk, and that the contravention would be likely to cause substantial damage or substantial distress and that the controller failed to take action to stop it.
The ICO is an independent authority designed to uphold information rights in the UK for the public’s interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.
Why is the ICO imposing fines on losing people’s data?
Following a number of high profile security breaches, such as Manchester Police and Durex, the ICO lobbied for a change in the law which did not allow the issue of fines for breaches of the DPA.
Is my business at risk for getting fined?
Any business or employee who is knowingly reckless with information which breaches one of the eight principles of the DPA is at risk of a fine of up to £500,000.
Top tips on securing information
- Deploy hardware encrypted portable devices
- Implement policies that prohibit the use of unsecure USB drives
- Ensure devices are easy-to-use to promote employee adoption
- Have a central management platform that tracks all devices with company information
- Regularly educate your employees on security best practice
Examples of Organizations That Have Already Evolved and Switched to SafeStick and SafeConsole
“We were impressed with SafeStick because of the level of security it offers, as well as its ease of use and value.”
NHS
“SafeStick is important for our organization because the security of our data is vital.”
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
“The security of personal and sensitive data is of the utmost importance. That is why we use SafeStick.”
Arvato Services
External Resources
Information Commissioner Data Protection Guide
About BlockMaster
BlockMaster provides complete control of portable data. From SafeStick®, the smallest, fastest and most secure USB drive in the world, to SafeConsole®, its enterprise class life-cycle management tool, BlockMaster is the first choice for organisations wishing to get their business information locked, loaded and on-the-move in seconds. Customers trusting SafeStick include over 100 NHS hospitals, including West Suffolk NHS, University of Aberdeen and University of Birmingham.
Available worldwide through distribution in over 40 countries, BlockMaster is trusted to support the USB security needs of Fortune 500 businesses, government agencies and emergency services. UK Customers trusting SafeStick with their information include over 100 NHS hospitals, including West Suffolk NHS, University of Aberdeen and University of Birmingham.
