Data security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Data security - Essay Example The given report will highlight some examples of what problems data loss may cause to a company, as well as outline the major reasons of the problem. In addition, in order for us to be able to manage the problem, the most effective ways of preventing data loss and increasing data security of an organization will be presented. The data loss issue may be related to any aspect of organizational performance – from making some sensitive information about company’s clients available to others, up to the rival’s getting some strategic and confident information about a competitor. These were just a few examples of what a data loss means. KPMG reports that 92 million people around the world have been affected by data loss incidents in 2008, and predicts the number to rise up to 190 million in 2009 (KPMG Europe LLP, 2009). The outcomes may be horrible, and range from company’s reputation being spoiled, to both corporate and individual financial losses. Regarding this matter Reto Gallati (2003: 294) outlines that loosing a reputation and a good name is one of the worst losses a company may suffer since a positive reputation is one of the most valued assets of an organization. Besides: However, nowadays an organization cannot function without digital devices. According to Tipton and Krause (2007: 1294), out of the companies that faced a serious data loss, ‘43 percent never reopen, 51 percent reopen but close within 2 years’. So, since we cannot avoid using electronic data storage devices, we must find the ways of coping with the risk of data loss. First of all, let’s take a look at the data loss incidents – they can be related to either software or hardware. Boston Computing Network (2009) reports that 42% of data loss cases in Europe take place due to hardware problems, such as power surge damage, and drive, controller or CPU failure. On the second place stand human errors (31%), such as accidental