Public exposure of private data is becoming a regular occurrence, but the majority of these incidents can be prevented if companies implement the proper security best practices, according to Gartner, Inc. Gartner analysts have identified the top 5 steps to prevent data loss and information leaks.

The top 5 steps to prevent data loss and information leaks are the following:

1. Deploy Content Monitoring and Filtering (CMF). A CMF solution monitors all outbound network traffic and generates alerts regarding (or sometimes blocks) activity based on inspecting the data in network sessions. CMF tools monitor common channels, including e-mail, IM, FTP, HTTP and Web mail (interpreting the HTTP for specific Web mail services) and look for policy violations based on a variety of techniques.
   
2. Encrypt Backup Tapes and (Possibly) Mass Storage. Gartner analysts highly doubt that many of the reported lost backup tapes containing consumer records eventually result in fraud. However, because there is no way to know for sure, companies have to assume exposure anyway. Encryption can ensure that the data will still be safe.
   
3. Secure Workstations, Restrict Home Computers and Lock Portable Storage. Workstations and laptops can be a major source of loss, especially when a poorly configured or out-of-date enterprise or home computer is compromised by a virus or worm, and by losing portable storage media, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive or CD-ROM.
   
4. Encrypt Laptops. If organizations give employees portable computers, employees will store sensitive data on it. Policies dont matter: Users will always use the tools they acquire, and sensitive data will always end up in unexpected places.
   
5. Deploy Database Activity Monitoring. Most organizations struggle to secure existing databases that are rarely designed with effective security controls. While companies eventually need to encrypt some of the data in their databases, database activity monitoring is a powerful security control thats easier to implement and more viable than encryption for many types of data.

Additional issues related to the state of the security industry will be presented at the Gartner IT Security Summit, September 18-19, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Gartner analysts, industry experts and IT security practitioners will examine the manageable security processes needed to address today's and tomorrow's threats.

Related links: (Open in a new window.)
www.europe.gartner.com/security
www.gartner.com

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