Data security is one of the main concerns of IT managers who are outsourcing to a global sourcing provider for the first time. Intellectual property is one of the most valuable assets that a company will possess and therefore extra steps should be taken to protect it. The risk of data theft can be greatly reduced if precautionary steps are taken before sending IT projects to a vendor.
An outsourcing company should consider many different factors when choosing a global IT partner. Among these criteria should be data security. It is important to find out the data security policies of the vendor and identify access controls. Clear, enforceable policies must be established. Frequently, the larger vendors will have certifications showing that information security practices are upheld, such as the ISO 27001 certification that is achieved when the company documents and follows information security practices and controls.
An outsourcing company should take the time to look into how the global sourcing provider enforces access controls and how these controls are modified when employees change positions internally or leave the company. Many vendors will provide development on a dedicated data server, which will include audit control access. Even after a vendor is chosen, IT managers must still ensure that the vendor follows the outsourcer's industry best practices and compliance guidelines.
The outsourcing contract should reflect the policies discussed with the vendor and the access controls. A signed non-disclosure agreement, non-compete agreement and no solicitation agreement can provide additional security for the outsourcing company. A red flag should be raised if the vendor refuses to include data protection information in the contract and a different global sourcing provider should be chosen. Regular audits should be conducted by the outsourcing company to make sure the policies are being enforced, even after the initial terms are agreed upon and the contracts are signed.
Another way to protect propriety information is to only provide data that is relevant to the project. The minimal amount of information should be shared with the vendor. The outsourcing company should thoroughly review propriety data and technology that are needed for the project development. It should be clearly communicated to in-house employees regarding what information is acceptable to be shared with the global sourcing partner.
Data protection is possible when sending work to a global IT sourcing partner. It is well worth it to take the necessary time to ensure that vital information will be protected.
Data Security And Privacy
Many people believe that laptop data security is too expensive to make it worthwhile. However there is a potential cost that can extend far beyond the time to re-key data or to download a backup file from a disk or network computer. While it is true that laptop data security is likely to prevent the loss of important information, it is also true that there is a cost for effective security. When compared to the tangible and intangible losses that could occur if the data on your laptop is lost or stolen, the price of data security seems negligible.
Identity Theft
Using laptop data security that works will help to prevent the danger of identify theft. Identity theft in the United States is a growing problem. Thousands of people have experienced the disruption, cost and danger that occurs when a criminal type gains access to information that allows the thief to take on the identity of the victim. This can include access to credit cards, employment information and bank accounts. Typically, identity theft is for the purpose of stealing credit and cash from the victim. While some of these problems are reversible, it usually requires months or even years to be free of the negative marks on the record of the victim.
Sensitive Data
Laptop data security is important for other reasons than to prevent identity theft. Many people who use a notebook or laptop in the conduction of their business will have sensitive or critical data stored on the hard drive of the device. This can include details of customer preferences, email contact lists or sales data. If you use your laptop as a creative tool to design, write, or journalize your thoughts, it is probably information that is irreplaceable. Artists and authors agree that the cost of security is well worth it.
Both Alice Khosravy & Sidhartha are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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