Security has to be 'bi-directional'

Companies must realise that security has to be bi-directional in order for them to be defended against data breaches, a specialist has noted.

Firms must stop attacks coming in while guaranteeing that their data is not getting out, as information can be taken outside of businesses by external attackers and insiders, according to a Symantec representative.

Greg Day, Europe, the Middle East and Africa security chief technology officer and director of security strategy at Symantec, said that security has moved on from just defending against attacks.

Mr Day explained that looking at the entire anatomy of a breach gives companies time to handle data problems and presents improved security.

Firms looking to improve their security may want to take the advice from IT consultant Kevin Wharram, who has warned that hackers use a variety of methods to collect data.

Mr Wharram especially recommended that web users should ensure they have all the necessary patches and updates installed for their applications.

Posted  by David Roberts