How the IT Guy is Becoming the Security Guy

I recently read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal (October 16, 2008, “New Data Privacy Laws Set for Firms”) that outlines new state-by-state regulations for data security. The article contains a great quote that I think sums up the major concerns for IT managers right now, but it doesn’t come from IBM or Cisco or even Sharp. It comes from the network manager for the Northeast-based pizza chain, Papa Ginos, who says, “Anybody in IT has to become the security guy.” I truly believe this quote illustrates how IT managers in companies of all sizes are quickly realizing the importance of data security and are learning more about what steps need to be taken to ensure that the network, and ultimately the company, are safeguarded against data theft.

Technology makes an ever-increasing contribution to profitability in today’s highly competitive business landscape. However, the same technology that enables high productivity in the workplace can easily be compromised if not sufficiently secured. The consequences of inadequate protection could be financial loss, identity theft, risk to intellectual property, or even the ruination of an upstanding business due to identity theft.