Poor awareness of information security must be challenged from school age

27th February 2008

Northgate Information Solutions, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets, today calls for information security issues to be addressed from school age onwards to enable effective information sharing and ‘personalised’ public services.

In a submission to the Data Sharing Review, conducted by the Information Commissioner and Wellcome Trust, Northgate highlights the lack of information that schools currently provide to students on information security, as well as poor understanding within organisations of how to comply with data protection legislation in practice.

The submission calls for consideration of how to include information security and data protection issues within the national curriculum, possibly as part of the citizenship agenda, and also within business management courses.

In addition to raising awareness, Northgate believes there are strong arguments for strengthening the current enforcement powers that exist, for example by introducing custodial sentences for the deliberate and wilful misuse of personal data.

Northgate also calls for the improved use of technology, including interactive tools, to protect information. The process of extracting information from databases is relatively simple, and there are a number of off-the-shelf products which can assist in this process.

Northgate aims to embed information security throughout its daily operations through regular security awareness training, written corporate security policies and procedures and the promotion of continuous improvement. The company is adopting ISO 20701 in critical parts of its business.

David Meaden, Managing Director of Public Services at Northgate Information Solutions, said today:

“In the past, people have been let down by the failure of local service providers to share information in a timely manner. The real challenge is to meet demand for services that are proactive and responsive to individual need.

“People’s nervousness around providing personal information must be addressed if public services are to rise to this challenge. This requires clear protocols, a greater understanding of what data can be shared, and transparency around the type of information being held. We must educate people from the earliest possible stage about issues relating to data protection and information security. Only through understanding these key issues will we be able to deliver proactive public services that enjoy the full consent and trust of citizens.”

ugh the intelligent use of people and technology, and to share in the economic and social benefits that this brings.

Northgate aims to embed information security throughout its daily operations through providing regular security awareness training and written corporate security policies and procedures. Northgate’s information steering group reports to the Board and meets on a bi-monthly basis to analyse risk, share best practice and promote continuous improvement. The company is adopting ISO 20701 in critical parts of its business.

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