The vast amount of sensitive data stored on redundant computer hard drives is storing up a major problem for companies and institutions, warns digital data vaulting specialist Cyber-Ark.
The company has confirmed the assertion in a report due to be published in the International Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry (IJLSE).
“The assertion is quite correct and, while the report says that companies must electronically shred that data on the drives before selling, passing them, or arranging their disposal, there is still a considerable need for education in the industry about this issue,” observes Calum Macleod, Cyber-Ark’s European director.
“That education is going to take time, so, in the interim, we would encourage the industry to attack the root cause of the problem and never store sensitive data on the drives in the first place,” he advises.
According to Macleod, by operating a company-wide policy of vaulting sensitive data in a centralised, but easily accessible, location, firms can be sure that their data is safe from prying eyes - as well as `accidents’ by company employees with the best of intentions.
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