Information Security Forum: Big Data Poses Security Challenges For Global Businesses

Aug. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- Big Data is a challenge that stretches the limits of the enterprise and as it continues to become a game-changer for businesses, the security risks have become even greater. From structured and unstructured data within the network of enterprise PCs and servers to consumer-friendly smartphones, laptops and storage devices that introduce new data management challenges, businesses can be easily overwhelmed by the risks posed by big data.

According to the Information Security Forum (ISF), a global, independent information security body considered the world's leading authority on cyber security and information risk management, data volumes are growing at an alarming rate – approximately 2.5 million terabytes every day. C-level executives are now faced with enormous amounts of data, and this can be viewed as both a burden and an opportunity for their business. Executives tasked with managing company data must find the delicate balance between everyday data management tasks and effectively leveraging data through both analytics and analysis.

“Users are increasingly worried by the amount of data being collected, with whom the data is being shared and how it is being used,” said Steve Durbin, Global Vice President, ISF. “Clearly, there needs to be better engagement among key stakeholders, and collaborative thinking throughout organizations, to cultivate guidelines and best practices for the usage, storage and transfer of data both internally and externally.”

According to the ISF, securing both the data inputs and Big Data outputs present a key challenge that can impact not just potential business campaigns and opportunities, but also have far reaching legal implications.  

On Tuesday, August 28, at 1 p.m. (ET), a panel of experts, including Steve Durbin, will participate in a webinar focusing on big data and security – the challenges and opportunities. During this discussion, Durbin will present a big data overview, offering context on today's challenges, as well as introducing topics such as:

•   The impact of cybercrime;
•   Privacy concerns;
•   The skills shortage - do we need data scientists to manage Big Data?

More information on this webinar can be found at http://www.bankinfosecurity.com/webinars.php?webinarID=294.