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FAST IiS: When Data Goes MissingNov 27, 2008 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- FAST IiS has launched a new special interest group with the remit to deliver expert knowledge of data management products and services to its members, as well as the wider IT and business user audience in general. This announcement comes as the Get Safe Online group, which is backed by police, government and banks, claims that ID theft is a serious problem because of an international trade in stolen identities and data. The details packaged and sold online include names, addresses, passport numbers and confidential financial data such as credit card numbers. "An organisation's data is often its most important asset and yet they rarely have adequate visibility or control of that data," said John Lovelock, Chief Executive, FAST IiS. "According to a recent report* by KPMG 1,034 data breaches were reported between 2005 and June 2008, with 280 million people losing personal details!" "We have therefore launched this special interest group - to stand alongside expert groups we already have established in areas such as IT Asset Management and Legal - to provide not only an industry forum for vendors in this market but also to educate the market as a whole in this potentially damaging liability," he added. "Especially given the fact that according to KPMG over 50% of data breaches come from internal sources!" The Data Leakage Prevention (DLP) special interest group will tackle a wide range of today's data-related issues, as well as those that arise in the future. Topical problems currently include data protection, content security, policy management, content management, records management, industry standards and increasing compliance issues. The special interest group will provide regular documented advice as well as host workshop events across the UK. Details of these will be published on the FAST IiS website (www.fastiis.org). Effective data management solutions require an increasingly complex integration of software, hardware and technical know-how, the DLP special interest group aims to provide guidance to end user organisations to enable them to implement tried and trusted solutions which will protect their organisations and their data. Stewart Room, data security specialist at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP, welcomes FAST IiS's commitment to improving knowledge about data security: "The country has woken-up to the damage that security breaches can cause, whether this be financial crime, identify theft or damage to the reputation of the organisation concerned. Yet, there is still significant confusion about what organisations should do and can to limit the risk of security breaches occurring. Organisations like FAST IiS can make major contributions to expanding know-how, understanding and learning in this area, which is to everyone's advantage." Matt Fisher, Corporate Marketing Director at FrontRange Solutions, commented: "The general awareness in the UK over the risks of data loss and identity theft is reasonably high, but there is still a widespread lack of understand among organisations as to how to protect the data on their networks. FrontRange is pleased to work with FAST IiS and other security experts to deliver impartial advice and best practice on how best to address the issue of Data Leakage Protection." The consequences of the public interest in data breaches have been dramatic. The Information Commissioner has already seen its power increased following an amendment to the Data Protection Act, enabling the office to issue financial penalties when organisations are found to have breached the Act. Furthermore, consultations both in the UK as a whole, and the Scottish Executive, are already pointing the way toward a far more stringent regulatory environment in the future. The launch of the new group further illustrates FAST IiS's commitment to remaining at the forefront of IT industry issues. Organisations and individuals interested in joining the DLP special interest group should contact FAST IiS on +44 (0) 1628 622121. * KPMG Report: Data Loss Barometer About FAST IiS In September 2008 the Federation Against Software Theft and Investors in Software joined forces to deliver a distilled, simplified and unified view of software asset management (SAM) and software licence management (SLM) best practice to the end user community. The strength of the two reputable brands encapsulates a holistic approach to driving the professional use of software across the industry and the globe. The Federation Against Software Theft was formed in 1984 making it the world's first software anti-piracy organisation. The organisation is not-for-profit limited by guarantee and wholly owned by its members, and works on many fronts to promote the legitimate use of software and protect its members' rights through education, enforcement, lobbying and promoting standards and best practice in business. CONTACT: Richard Merrin, Spreckley Partners Limited Tel: +44 (0)20 7388 9988 e-mail: [email protected] Jared Foley, Spreckley Partners Ltd Tel: +44 (0)20 7388 9988 e-mail: [email protected] FAST IiS WWW: http://www.fastiis.org M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. |