InsightIQ Blog

Tales from the Crypt?

View more Blog Posts

May 18 2009

As everyone is painfully aware, data can be vulnerable when traditional access barriers (such as passwords and firewalls) fail, either through an inside or an outside party. At that point, customer data, partner data and your data move beyond your control.  This is why encryption of any files with customer or sensitive information is not optional at CSG's Quaero, nor should it be at your organization either.

Encryption software is easily accessible via the web and can save organizations their reputations (or their entire business, for that matter) by protecting data at the file level.  One of the most popular packages is PGP® (Pretty Good Privacy), one of the earliest public key encryption applications. It was written in 1991 by Phil Zimmermann and was bought by Network Associates in 1997.

The best encryption solutions offer companies a strategic edge toward compliance with industry regulations (i.e. HIPAA and GLBA), governing safety and privacy of sensitive and personal information.  These regulations are particularly well defined for healthcare, education, financial, and any organizations processing payment card information. Consider how widespread files travel now with mobile and wireless devices, and how compliance with regulations can be difficult with unencrypted data.

All modern web browsers support encryption, and many Web sites use HTTPS to encrypt for private data.  Most desktop email clients support encryption and digital signatures. With a little extra work, third party software can be used to send encrypted and signed messages through ordinary email.

So, let your data tale be one of great success by incorporating security and privacy of all corporate confidential and customer sensitive information.  Talk to your IT department and Service Provider(s) about their strategy for keeping your sensitive information safe and secure wherever it resides, whether that is a database, file server, internet facing system, your laptop, or even a DVD.

This article is filed under:

View more Blog Posts

Leave a Comment

  • Your email won't be published on our site.

All Fields Required