By: Mike Zosimadis
Many of us in the event industry do not seem to consider the ramifications of a data security lapse while organizing or planning an event. These lapses can happen in a blink of an eye and you may not even realize they occurred. These can happen without someone “hacking” your computer, catching a virus, or even have it occur over the Internet. The securing of event information always seems to come last on our list of priorities, while the daily pressures of organizing events and clients are front and centre.
You are always told to backup your most sensitive data in case something happens to your computer. This is very good advice, but have you ever put thought into how secure those backups are? Where are your backups stored? Who physically has access to them?
Are the backups stored on a CD/DVD/memory keys and are they password protected or encrypted? Do your backups protect you from fire or flood? Have you ever practiced recovering your data? These are good questions to ask when reviewing your data backup and restore procedures and should be reviewed annually.
A laptop is a very convenient computer, which makes working on the go a vital tool for any event organizer. What would happen if that laptop was ever stolen from your car or onsite event? Ever consider how your data is protected within the laptop? A boot up password or a Windows password provides a false sense of security to most. Why you ask? These passwords can easily be circumvented by a thief and provide access to your files within minutes of physically having the laptop.
A USB memory sticks is also very convenient. Event organizers always seem to be running around with a memory stick hanging around their neck. These memory sticks contain critical documents and details for an organizer on-site. These memory sticks could possibly include such sensitive information as: rooming lists or guest locations, confidential medical information about delegates, or last minute faxes containing credit card information received moments before you departed for the airport. Ever consider what happens if that memory stick goes missing? Anyone could just plug that USB stick into a computer and have access to all that sensitive information. We are also guilty of forgetting a USB key in a computer and running away in a rush to solve an on-site crisis for just a moment. A security lapse in this situation could be as easy as copying and pasting your information without your knowledge.
That is why it is so important for you to protect your sensitive information by encrypting it. One simple solution to protecting your data on your computer or memory stick is to encrypt it. DriveCrypt by Secur Star is an excellent product to protect your hard disks. Most memory keys are bundled with free encryption software; ensure you use them. There is also a Bit Locker program found free within the new Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate version. There are many online backup services that provide easy to use and secure backup services over the Internet. They are very affordable and provide a great level of data protection. The backup services are a few of the many being currently offered online: MozyHome Online Backup, HP Upline, and SOS Online Backup.
Data Encryption combined with a good backup procedure will help minimize your risk of data loss and protect your data from unwanted risks such as the loss or theft of sensitive data. In the end, you are protecting not only your own interests, but those of your clients and their delegates as well. |
