Friday, May 1, 2009

Encrypt Your Laptops to Safeguard Information

With the advancement of technology come its disadvantages as well. As the technology is improving, the number of thefts and fraud activity is on the rise. To hear about stolen laptops has now become a normal news story. Companies usually store their data in their systems or laptops and forget to keep a backup copy of the same data or even to encrypt that data. This data includes all information regarding the employees of the company, business clients and the valued customers of the company. Recently, Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services (DHS) had reported that an unencrypted laptop containing information regarding millions of customers was stolen by an employee of the agency. The laptop contained their all important information regarding their complete background as well as their social security numbers, though the agency is somewhat sure about the safety of the data as the laptop was protected by a password.

The personal data stored on the laptop should be on an encrypted share or drive, i.e., it needs to be there in a way so that no one other than the assigned person can get access of this highly valuable data. You may have highly confidential details that should not be disclosed. The customers share their information on the basis of the fact that as per the guidelines of the company, the data would be safe within the company only.

There have been many laptop thefts reported by many reputable companies. The laptops containing sensitive information get stolen, posing a security threat to the company. Whether the amount of customer data on the laptop is for one or one hundred, it can have a very damaging affect on the company and the customers. IN most cases, the records number in the thousands or even millions. not like only one or hundred clients are associated with the company. But the client base encompasses a mass of millions of people and certainly involves huge risks if they face any security breach.

There are many ways to ensure safety of the data even if the laptop gets stolen. First of all, it should be encrypted with PGP Encryption system which helps in protecting all the data by offering various encryption applications. the chances of growth and profitability of any company. Automated patch management is another way of keeping your laptop's sensitive information safe. Firewall protection is also necessary for protecting your laptop against harmful attacks or when surfing suspicios sites. To keep it safer, you should also protect your hard disk with a password as it makes the cracking very tough for the fraudsters.

on increasing. Recently, Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services (DHS) had reported that an unencrypted laptop containing information regarding millions of customers was stolen by an employee of the agency. The laptop contained their all important information regarding their complete background as well as their social security numbers, though the agency is somewhat sure about the safety of the data as the laptop was protected by a password.

So, it is better to take some measure beforehand, rather than facing such risks in the future. These are easily available tools that need to be used by every organization so as to maintain their clients and growth.

An expert with the knowledge of Application Security Risk Assessment has written this article.

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