Data security and the “cloud”

I’m currently working on my new research project with DMH Stallard. This time we are looking into the problems manufacturing, technology and engineering business face when dealing with the avalanche of data they have to handle as the economy becomes evermore digital.

Aspects we will be looking at include but will not be exclusive to:-

  • Data security-
    • Levels of security to protect data whether owned by the business, customer or supplier
    • How is customer confidentiality protected and how do firms safeguard IP?
    • What restricted and sensitive data to firms have? eg Design data, process information, software etc
    • How do companies stop data moving around to unauthorised destinations?
  • Data processing-
    • The storage of data- is it kept on in-house servers or stored remotely or in the “cloud” and if so where? (UK, EU,ES or other?)
    • If firms  are using “cloud” or intend to what are the benefits and problems they foresee or have experienced?
    • Handling and processing of data.
    • How are mobile devices such as laptops, smartphones and tablets used? How do they securely remotely access data?
    • What disaster recovery processes are used and is data stored off-site?

 

  • Commercial & Contractual  issues
    • How do firms flow down contractual terms on data handling and deal with the requirements of customers?
    • Are firms compliant with the requirements of the Information Commission?
    • How do they deal with employees and social media? Who owns the business contacts?
    • Do they work within ITAR regulations or other national security requirements for the UK and other countries?
    • Are firms subject to foreign jurisdiction on the use of data?
    • If  data is stored off-site who owns it and how is it recovered?

I  am working with my colleague Frank Jennings who is the technology lead for the firm and has been working as part of the Cloud Industry Forum.

The two reports on IP and Ethical business which I mentioned  can be found here http://bit.ly/jDTYJH & http://bit.ly/uDWmoG.

 

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