Newcastle ranks no.1 for cyber security issues

The North East has seen more and more IT firms providing cloud computing services and data centres, of which security ranks as one of its main features. However, a recent report disclosed some concerning findings that support a need for more training in the area, and the need to work with established and trustworthy sellers.

International information management firm Crown Records Management, along with Censuswide, surveyed decision-makers for IT firms with more than 200 workers, and revealed that 93% of firms have lost key data in Newcastle and surrounding areas. This ranked as the country’s highest figure.

Crown Records Management business development manager Ann Sellar said:

“These survey results should be a wake-up call for businesses in Newcastle because the importance of protecting customer data is higher than ever.

“This is not only because of potential fines for data breaches – which will soon increase when the EU General Data Protection Regulation is ratified – but also because of growing public awareness.”

The dual issues of data protection and cyber security have come under the spotlight in the past few months. Carphone Warehouse made the front pages in August after falling victim to a hacking incident, which saw personal data of a number of its 2.4 million customers put at risk.

Firms not just in Newcastle but throughout the UK need to take data loss more seriously and that starts with I.T. security recruitment. Without trained personnel, they will not be in an adequate position to protect themselves.