Leading IT solutions consultancy ramsac, today announced a number of measures that companies can take to safeguard security in light of the number of redundancies resulting from the economic downturn.
The affects of recession have become even starker with the announcement that UK unemployment has now reached two million – a 12 year high. The vast majority of this increase can be attributed to redundancy as some companies struggle to survive. In some cases this is due to bankruptcy, but also it is largely due to businesses cutting staff numbers because of falling business and the need to streamline operations. Companies that find themselves in the latter category may not realise it, but they face a greater potential risk of security breaches with the flow of redundant staff.
Making sure that a business’ security can deal with the flow of staff needn’t be a headache, as Managing Director Robert May explains: “Although there is definitely a risk to security for any business making staff redundant, either through malicious intent, or the inevitable movement of people and company property, sensible and logical steps can be taken to minimise the risk that should be followed even in more stable economic conditions. With staff leaving there may be an emotional response that gives some leeway to a lapse in protocols, but this really is a time when, if anything, there should be more vigilance.”
There are a number of key points that all businesses should consider with regards to IT security and the protection of sensitive/competitor-sensitive information:
- Passwords and security codes – ex-employees may still have access to vital company systems, especially if the business utlises remote working systems. Immediately closing unneeded email accounts and changing login details for shared resources reduces the ability for unauthorised use
- Systems access should only be given to members of staff who actually need the resources to reduce the ability for misuse
- Educate staff on data security – employees should be made aware of the potential for data leaks and the need for information to only be distributed to relevant and trusted sources
- Manage Access – systematic controls should be in place to control who has access to data, making full use of encryption if possible when data is exported to mobile/removable media. Alternatively, if appropriate, block or closely control the use of USB sticks or portable hard drives with company systems
- Make sure hardware is returned – laptops and smartphones are key areas of potential data loss, so their loss/theft not only risks financial loss but also a potential security risk
- Ensure that the IT provision is maintained during redundancies – because the IT resource is essential for most businesses it is vital to ensure that the knowledge of systems is documented and maintained when staff leave
- Use a defined process for new and leaving members of staff – as well as IT access, it is also important that general building security should also follow these procedures to stop unwarranted physical access to company systems.
- Ensure IT security software is up to date – Measures such as antivirus and firewall protection will help prevent any possibility of a malicious attack on the company’s network
Whilst these points are particularly prevalent during times of redundancy, they are relevant to all companies and should also form part of an ongoing overall business continuity IT strategy. ramsac offers customers a complete IT systems healthcheck to identify potential problems and advise on ongoing, long-term strategies to fully secure a company network.
About ramsac
Founded in 1991, ramsac offers a ‘menu’ of outsourced stress-free IT services that allows clients to match their individual needs. For some clients it may simply be support at the end of the phone, for others a part-time network manager, for many businesses its help in developing a longer term overall IT strategy. Whatever the requirement clients are guaranteed impartial, jargon-free advice.
This enables those businesses and organisations for which a dedicated in-house IT department may not be practical, to outsource all or part of their IT needs. In return they benefit from properly planned cutting edge IT solutions and support without any of the headaches often associated with managing technology. The end result is that any business can now get top level joined-up grown up IT advice for a fraction of the cost
ramsac is committed to providing excellence in customer service and is proud to maintain a 97% client retention rate. In 2007, the company was named as Surrey SME Business of the Year. ramsac is also an ISO 9001 Quality Approved firm, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, a Citrix Silver Partner and an accredited Investor in People.
Editorial Contacts:
Graham Thatcher/Simon Hewitt/Fiona Brewer
MCC International
T: 01962 888 100
F: 01962 888 125
E: ramsacpr@mccint.com