ShP Limited becomes Blancco GOLD partner

Published on 30 April 2012.

ShP Limited is proud to achieve gold partner status with Blancco.

Blancco has an extensive international partner network. These partners include software distributors as well as IT asset recyclers, refurbishers and remarketers however ShP Limited is proud to become a partner on both ITAD and mobile edition solutions as part of their unique set up offering a take back and disposal service for all Category 3 (WEEE Directive) e-waste.

Craig Smith, Operations Director said, “The progression of ShP to Gold Partner status supports the great work we currently do in the ITAD and telecommunication data eradication sectors, and further establishes ShP Limited as the only single source company for secure Mobile phone and redundant IT equipment disposal”.

ICO claims many hard drives contain sensitive data

Published on 29 April 2012.

The Information Commissioner’s Office has warned many hard drives contain sensitive corporate data when thrown away.

Businesses have been urged to dispose of their waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in the correct manner, after the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) warned many hard drives that have been thrown away contain sensitive data.

It cited information gathered by computer forensics company NCC Group at a trade fair in 2010, where 48 per cent of second-hand hard drives contained readable information.

Overall, 34,000 files containing personal or corporate information were recovered from the devices.

Information commissioner Christopher Graham said: “We live in a world where personal and company information is a highly valuable commodity.”

Mr Graham argued that with this in mind it is especially important companies carry out the correct processes when getting rid of old hardware, as files or sensitive data can often be recovered from these devices.

IT security consultant Kevin Wharram recently warned businesses that all of their employees need to be aware of the potential dangers inherent in bad data security.

Posted by Clive Notting

Criminals are finding ways to profit from data theft, expert claims

Published on 28 April 2012.

Stealing information from companies is a new kind of threat, according to an industry expert.

Companies who place insufficient focus on data security or fail to avail of dedicated corporate recycling facilities to ensure any information they throw away is wiped can place themselves at risk, according to an expert.

Laura Mather, founder of Silver Tail Systems, said these novel new attacks are a growing threat, especially given the increasing amount of sensitive data companies are dealing with on a daily basis.

She explained that criminals are finding novel ways to monetize stolen information, making it vital companies are aware of what is happening with their data at all times.

“The thing about getting data out of a corporation and using it for some illicit purpose is that a lot of the time, that’s not seen as something that should be protected.” Mr Mather warned.

Migration Solutions managing director Alex Rabbetts recently made a similar statement, pointing out that a lack of data security can end up costing companies a great deal of money.

Posted by Clive Notting

Companies need ‘ongoing commitment’ to data security

Published on 27 April 2012.

IT and data security education within an organisation needs to be visual and ongoing, an expert has claimed.

Kevin Wharram, an IT security consultant, suggested that the key to effective education is to have ongoing commitment within a business.

He recommended that security training is visual and also applies to users outside the office to prevent potential security breaches.

Mr Wharram pointed out that a mistake by an employee such as clicking on a particular link in an email could be attributed to “corporate espionage, or even a malware outbreak”.

He said: “A single mistake by an end user that lacks IT security awareness could cause embarrassment or even a fine to a company.”

A recent study by Sophos emphasised the need to educate employees on IT security issues.

The internet security firm spoke to IT professionals worldwide and found that 48 per cent fix security issues that are caused by end user negligence at least once a week.

Posted by James Rendell