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Threats
Information under threat!
When looking at the threat assessment for information security there are a number of different points, some common to most areas and some specific to particular industries and sectors.
Information has become the core asset of many businesses and with the continued growth of reliance on IT systems this becomes more true for a growing number of businesses. Security has become a big issue but still many people are focusing only on internet access and the communication side of security and issues of access control.
Press reports are however covering a more basic problem, data theft and fraud by 'trusted' members of staff. Some of these reports show clearly that the staff member was 'taking revenge' after being disciplined, or passed over for promotion. Some have been because they believed that the company was covering up illegal, environmental or financial wrongdoing. Some have been due to simple stupidity or greed.
Whatever the reason the damage can be catastrophic to a company, its reputation and its share price! Looking through the press, or on the web it is easy to find examples of financial institutions in trouble for hiding untaxed deposits, petrochemical companies covering up environmental damage, or medical records becoming available to the general public. The leaking of Government information is seen by many as a socially acceptable action, but this can damage the state security and has been known to put people's lives in danger when their names become known.
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