@Risk

Virtually all aspects of our society, business, and government are dependent our information infrastructure, and yet we, as a nation, are extraordinarily vulnerable to cyber threats, according to a new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

In A Human Capital Crisis in Cybersecurity, CSIS describes a few of the current problems, which seem to portend disastrous consequences if these very real threats are not addressed.

From the report: (more…)

Last month, CBS news released an investigative report that exposed data security risks associated with today’s high-end digital copiers.

To sum it up, here’s the problem that’s uncovered in the report: Because these copiers use flash memory or hard drives to store scanned information, any document that’s copied on them –tax records, pay stubs, etc. –is saved within the machine.

Of course, when a company decides to resell or recycle an old copier, it can overwrite the local memory drives. Or, it can remove the drive completely. But, is that what companies typically do? Is that what your company does?

Those are intriguing questions. They’re so intriguing in fact, that now the Federal Trade Commission has become involved.

Congressman John Markey wrote to the FTC to voice his concerns about privacy risks associated with the use of digital copiers. Last week, the FTC responded. From the FTC letter:

The FTC is aware of reports regarding the privacy risks associated with the use of digital copiers. Like you, we also are concerned that personal information can be so easily retrieved from copiers, making it vulnerable to misuse by identity thieves. As you point out, businesses and government agencies should ensure that the information on the hard drives in digital copiers are wiped clean of personal information after the conclusion of use.

The FTC says it is reaching out to copier manufacturers, resellers and retail copy and office supply stores to ensure that they are aware of the risks and to ensure that they provide appropriate education on this subject to their clients. In addition, the FTC is reviewing its educational materials to see if there are ways it can supplement its guidance to both businesses and consumers on this issue.

Keeping data secure is an on-going challenge for both individuals and businesses –and a constant headache for those trying to mitigate risks. You can learn more about how to deter, detect and defend against identity theft at the FTC website.

There’s no doubt about it: Apple Inc.’s iPad is unique. And it’s innovative User-Interface (UI)-focused design has analysts predicting a complete shake up of the global electronics supply chain.

“Electronic products have always been designed the same way, with a motherboard-oriented approach starting with the circuits and semiconductors on a central Printed Circuit Board (PCB)  and then wrapping UI-focused elements like the keyboard and display around it,” says Derek Lidow, president and chief executive officer at iSuppli  in a press release. “The iPad is not designed that way. It doesn’t have a traditional motherboard. Rather, it is designed with the UI as the starting point: Apple started by designing the screen, the touch pad and the battery, and lastly focused on the semiconductors and where to put them. This design is what gives the product a unique feel and functionality.” (more…)

After a sluggish 2009, the ePurchasing market will grow 12 percent this year, rising to $4 billion, predicts a new study from the technology and market research company Forrester Research.

Forrester defines the ePurchasing market as software products like eProcurement, eSourcing, contract life-cycle management (CLM), automated spend analysis, accounts payable electronic invoice presentment and payment (AP-EIPP), services procurement, supplier risk and performance management, and supplier network services. And the report forecasts that among these, the hottest segment will be supplier risk and performance management, with 2010 growth of almost 40 percent. (more…)

New data from TPI suggests that the number of outsourcing contracts awarded globally will rise in 2010 as organizations look for new ways to optimize critical business operations in an improving economy.

The TPI Momentum Market Trends & Insights 4Q09 Annual Report released last week predicts that the growing acceptance of cloud computing, increasing interest in multi-sourcing, and emerging focus on governance and risk management will fuel outsourcing contract volume this year. Not surprisingly, the report also says these same factors will narrow the scope of individual outsourcing projects, driving down their value and duration and intensifying competition among service providers. In addition, I suspect a reliance on smaller deals and an enhanced commitment to social responsibility will emerge as major themes.

The report also found that: (more…)