One of the biggest issues in the world of information security in 2012 will be the way in which data protection is controlled, according to an independent security consultant.

Kevin Wharram, who specialises in information technology, stated that although not much has changed over the years, with more people owning more devices than ever before, the levels of data theft and malware will naturally go up.

"It's also more about data leakage," he explained. "So take people like anonymous, who are distributing sensitive data and highlighting the issues around data."

He went on to say that data loss is a big issue now, which is reflected in government policy.

The EU has proposed adopting a new European data direction, a law which would fine companies two per cent of their annual revenue in the event of data going missing.

"So it's not like suddenly, because there's a new year, there's going to be new problems - we're going to have the same problems we've had in previous years," Mr Wharram said.

"Probably, because of more tablet devices, Android systems will be affected - there's a lot of malware on Android phones and systems. So, with people having access to more data - especially Facebook and timelines as you know what people can do with that type of data - the control of data is going to be a big issue."

In other related news it was revealed that data stored on Megaupload's website could be destroyed.

Users of the online file sharing service, which has been shut down by the US Justice Department over issues to do with copyright infringement, are concerned that their stored data will be permanently wiped without them having a chance to save it.

This is of particular worry for those who use the service legally, as a virtual storage space, otherwise known as cloud computing.

"We received a letter very late Friday from the US Attorney that declared there could be an imminent destruction of Megaupload consumer data files on this coming Thursday," Ira Rothken, Megaupload's lawyer told TorrentFreak.

"We of course would like to think the United States and Megaupload would both be united in trying to avoid such a consumer protection calamity whereby innocent consumers could permanently lose access to everything from word processing files to family photos and many other things that could never practically be considered infringing."

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