data loss protection measures

Written by Nigel Hawthorn, EMEA marketing vice president at Blue Coat Systems

The Information Commissioner now has the power to levy fines on those who recklessly lose confidential or personal information.  The level of fines is still to be decided but could run to millions of pounds. At a time of economic woe, it is a shame the government has had to resort to such tactics but perhaps it is necessary for the issue to get the attention it deserves. Organisations trading on a global scale will also need the best policies for worldwide customers and suppliers – so bringing UK legislation in line with the best in the world makes sense.  In addition, the rise of Web 2.0 applications such as MySpace and Facebook mean hidden malware can be installed on end points to harvest personal information.

 

ID Cards

The Government is bringing forward its plans to launch identity cards to the British public.

Eager to stress the benefits of ID cards, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today announced that British nationals will be able to get the cards on a voluntary basis this year.

Those benefits include increased protection against identity fraud for the individual and help in protecting our communities against criminals, illegal immigrants and terrorists trying to exploit multiple identities.”