With increasing amounts of digital information and large data sets being stored online, it should come as no surprise that 2012 can expect to see a greater number of data breaches and sophisticated threats than ever before. Looking back on 2011, we can have seen that no system is ever 100% secure, no matter what the size of the organisation. It is therefore key for any business to know exactly what it should be prepared for and take the right steps in order to help minimise these ever growing threats. In 2012, businesses will focus on determining how much they are willing to invest to protect their data – through compliance with legislation, secure storage and ensuring they have the right procedures and processes in place.
DMH Stallard is pleased to announce that it is conducting a new report into this topic as data security becomes the main focus for all organisations as they expand their online presence in 2012. The report will be based on interviews with directors of major UK manufacturing and technology businesses operating globally and will detail how best to deal with data storage, processes, people and the supply chain.
DMH Stallard is keen to gather opinion from more organisations across the business community. If you would like to be involved in the research then please email frank.jennings@dmhstallard.com
The report, due to be published in the Spring, will be the third in a series of studies conducted by DMH Stallard, which have previously focused on Ethics and Compliance and Intellectual Property in the manufacturing sector.
The report aims to provide a viewpoint into what is happening inside the boardrooms of UK businesses when it comes to data security. Some of the key focus points for the report will be:
- What is the level of digital data storage levels compared with 5 years ago?
- What disaster recovery processes are in place?
- How is customer and supplier proprietary data segregated?
- How do you protect customer IP and respect commercial sensitivity?
- Are you compliant with the rules of the Information Commissioner or other relevant regulators?
- Who in the company is accountable?
David Seall, former CEO of EEF South and now DMH Stallard’s Strategic Adviser for Manufacturing who will lead the study comments:
“Individuals throughout any organisation, from temporary workers to the management team need to have data security at the heart of their considerations as they go about their day to day work. It is imperative to the success of any organisation that they think carefully about data which is stored both on their internal systems and online. As the rate of growth and the evolution of technology gathers pace, the amount of information produced and stored online will expand at a rapid rate, and security will become ever more important”
Frank Jennings, Head of Commercial at DMH Stallard commented:
“Security of data is a big issue for organisations. 2012 will see greater focus on "Big Data", the dangers of copying and storing data via the cloud and cheap memory sticks and enforcement action against data security breaches by the Information Commissioner's Office. Our report looks specifically at the issues driving data security strategy within the manufacturing and technology sector and outlines best practice for industry.”
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About DMH Stallard’s previous reports
The DMH Stallard IP report – ‘Plan, Protect and Prosper’ is based on interviews with directors of major UK manufacturing businesses operating globally – and details how best to protect high value design and process innovations and how to overcome potential pitfalls. The second report in the series, – ‘Ethics & Compliance: How Manufacturers are Embracing the Challenge and Reducing their Risk’ - was compiled based on in-depth interviews with senior executives from public and private companies operating in the UK defence, aerospace, transportation, healthcare, oil and gas, FMCG, energy, retail and automotive sectors. To download a copy, please click here
About DMH Stallard
DMH Stallard is dedicated to making our clients the centre of our business and delivering technical excellence, so we can work together as legal and commercial partners. The firm invests in building long term relationships with its clients, so we can support their strategic objectives and deliver solutions that are needs driven.
Our practice has been developed to provide users of traditional City firms with a genuine alternative. To put it simply, our clients benefit from technically excellent advice led by senior partners whilst enjoying sensible and transparent pricing structures.
We are proud to work with some of the most innovative and successful organisations in the country and have a long history of advising the manufacturing and technology sectors. We are also delighted that the firm continues to be recognised with prestigious awards.
For further press information please contact:
Scott Garner
Head of Business Development
Tel: 01293 60 3532
Email: scott.garner@dmhstallard.com
