Data Security in the Middle East

Every company likes to keep certain areas of their management off limits from others. These private and confidential details include their client list, future developmental programmes, databases, business secrets and a host of other information.

Economic growth of the Middle East is rapid. But, their low investment in data protection has left them highly vulnerable. And their inadequacy of knowledge hampers dealing with the growing data security problems.

Data security problem might take any form.

• Hackers gain access to important data by breaking open the password.
• Virus programmes are written to damage vital information, denying access to files. These stall businesses temporarily, entailing great financial loss.
• Little acts of thefts have big consequences. Many software and hardware items are stolen from offices everyday. Majority of data theft occurs from stolen or lost laptops and mobile phones and not on intrusions in network.

Employment of Hackers

Some companies have hackers on their pay rolls. These hackers are employed to gain access to the competitors’ computers. All confidential information that ensures the competitor’s progress is stolen or destroyed. Destruction of data is serious for re-entering it might not be possible. Data unsupported by paper work is lost for ever. All activity ceases till data can be restored.

But a majority of the companies hire hackers to protect themselves. Such certified hackers called ‘Ethical Hackers’ are selected with care. These security professionals ensure protection, for only they know how hackers operate.

These hired and trained professionals safeguard the company. But the real problem begins when they leave employment or are fired. For the hackers are strong enough, to turn a security threat themselves.

Theft of Intellectual Property by Employees

Employees in any organisation have access to sensitive data. Employees might steal intellectual property and sell it to competitors. Alternately, they might start businesses of their own. Such thefts can be prevented by network administrators. They should control the access to important information.

Often employee theft of intellectual property is by accessing backup services. Though the threat is large very few employers actually encrypt the backup work. Regular and periodic audit of network infrastructure helps reveal problem areas before they assume proportions of greater magnitude.

Malicious Intentions of Sacked Employees

Some sacked employees turn malicious. USA tops the list with people hacking computers with such malicious intentions.

Thefts of this kind bring in huge business losses that push companies to the brink of bankruptcy. Alternately, companies end up taking huge insurance policies seeking protective cover.

The problem has become severe enough to be dealt with severely. New Cyber Crime Laws, (CCL) passed last year, in the UAE, attempts to enhance security. These laws recognise acts of illegally accessing, copying and reproducing personal or official information as a crime. Such acts of crime can be punished by 15 years of imprisonment or a fine. Serious acts of crime attract both the penalties.

UAE currently holds the 46th position globally as the originator and target of computer crime. These new laws might serve their intended purpose of being a deterrent to cyber crime.

Role of Computer Forensics

Cyber criminals are refining their mode of operation. Underground networks are being created to foster international cooperation and to escape detection. Anonymity and the global scale of operations are giving these criminals a false sense of security.

Computer forensics analysis service providers are trained to tackle such crimes. These well-reputed professionals tackle commercial and criminal crimes. The continuous advancement in the forensic technology is of great support to these professionals.

Proof from computer forensic analysis clearly delineates innocent suspects or victims from criminals. The real intention of the computer user can be identified. Digital forensic analysis is accepted in any court as legal evidence.

Cyber crime occurs for either of the two primary reasons. They are committed for monetary gain or to seek vengeance on the employer. Mischief-loving hackers, who work for the fun of it, form a minuscule proportion. Such crimes bring in deep financial loss to the business enterprise. Computer forensic experts are the right professionals to tackle this growing problem.

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