Last updated: 13 Nov 12 @ 03:22  |  

By integrating data security systems and perimeter security, organisations can ensure a far greater level of protection

Mark Mooney examines the growing threat of cyber crime and data theft which faces companies around the world, and discusses the importance of integrating physical building security and IT security measures to ensure a rapid response to such activities

There are very few organisations that are not in some way reliant on data. The protection of that data is fundamental to business, to governments and to security forces alike. Much is currently being made of the cyber threats posed by the cloud. The increased use of hosted cloud computing and virtualised environments has made the protection of the data centres that hold this information even more critical. But it is not just about ensuring protection from the cyber threats: the Trojan horses, viruses, malware, hacking and information warfare that characterises the modern world – it is also about recognising where those and other threats come from and employing physical security measures to complement the software based systems used to protect networks.

The security challenges faced today are many and varied. A security vulnerability is any flaw in an IT system that can be exploited by an attacker to compromise the confidentiality or integrity of a data set or system or to deny legitimate user access to the data or system. In terms of those posing the threats they can be external parties or people operating within an organisation – or a combination of