Data Breach Upsurge: Government Pushes for Data Encryption Emphasized, Regulatory Compliance Mandate
Prevx reports that about 2,500 IT companies suffered network intrusions that may have led to the loss of sensitive information.
These network intrusions are a grave concern because they evidence how weak the network's firewalls are against hackers.
Unfortunately, hackers have gotten clever and very well organized, utilizing a virus known as the zbot virus.
Using the zbot virus before attempting a brute force attack has proven to weaken the network's defenses both internally and externally, giving hackers a dangerous advantage.
Tightened security, such as data encryption, is the only way to ensure protection from outside advances.
The United States government will no longer remain withdrawn from the issue.
Earlier this year the government pushed for a regulatory compliance mandating all IT companies to adhere to specific governmental standards.
It is no surprise that more than 84% of companies responded positively to the call for system compliance.
Research and development to boost firewall technology and to prevent future network intrusions has already been initiated.
The need for the IT firms' systems to be fully compliant with the governmental standards can prove vital in not only protecting their interest, but in blocking intruders as well.
Today, IT firms have already started to implement data encryption into their systems by encrypting system file servers, databases, hard disk drives, and emails.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies worldwide are coordinating their efforts to hunt down these hackers and shut down their criminal operations permanently.
The vulnerability of small devices, including laptops, notebooks, smartphones and USB flash drives, should also be addressed.
There is no assurance that sensitive material in these small devices cannot be breached.
Therefore, data encryption on such devices is crucial.
Experts also suggest the use of encrypted flash drives for fieldwork especially for company executives who are entrusted to handle sensitive information.
They mostly store the information in their laptops, notebooks, their smartphones' memory cards or USB flash drives.
These devices are small and can be easily misplaced or forgotten.
Thus, data encryption is vital.
By blocking every possible point of entry for hackers, one is much more successful in protecting his or her interests.
Businesses today often collapse due to unforeseen dangers or negligence.
Ideally, the future will be healthier for business, especially in the field of information technology.
In order to progress positively and successfully in the world of business and technology, we must examine our prior errors.
Learning from past mistakes tells us one thing: preparedness will give us a necessary edge against opportunists.