Security tops list of data storage challenges
Security tops list of data storage challenges
Apr 13, 2005: Data protection and security are the biggest challenges for IT professionals involved in managing storage networks for their organisations, according to the results of a new web poll released today by global IT trade association CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association).
Nearly one-third of poll respondents – 32.5 percent - said that protecting and securing stored data is their biggest challenge. More than 660 individuals responded to the poll.
“Given the potential cost of a security breach or data loss and its negative impact on a company’s bottom line, the emphasis on security is not surprising,” said John Venator, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA. “The security landscape is made even more complicated by the massive amount of data that needs to be stored; the increasing scale and complexity of storage systems; and the requirements for record retention to comply with government regulations. That is why it is absolutely essential for every organisation to have in place a well designed, well managed and well secured IT infrastructure.”
Practices for keeping stored data secure should be documented in an organisation’s comprehensive IT security policy, Venator advised. Issues that should be addressed include how to authenticate access to stored data; what types of information should be kept confidential; and requirements for data backup, restoration, monitoring, and auditing.
Among other challenges related to data storage, 16.9 percent of respondents to the web poll said management and administration of stored data is their biggest issue; 10.1 percent cited gaining faster access to stored data; and 7.9 percent said they are challenged by making data more accessible.
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