Data experts to drive home security message

Published On Tue 4 Feb 2014 by Roddy Isles

Locking away your data is just as important as locking your house when you leave in the morning. That is the message that some of the UK's leading experts in information security will be passing to staff and students at the University of Dundee next week.

The University is hosting an Information Security Week to raise awareness of how data can be best protected in an age of tablets, smartphones, laptops and the 'cloud'.

'Information security is as relevant to our everyday lives now as physical security,' said Paul Saunders, Chief Technology Officer for the University. 'In the same way that we take care to lock doors, windows and cars and take care of our property, looking after our personal and workplace or study data is vital to ensure information is stored safely and with integrity.'

Speakers over the course of the week include:

  • Professor Natalie Coull, Professor of Ethical Hacking, University of Abertay Dundee
  • Pete Hall, Senior IT Manager, Cisco, who worked on the company's IT engagement for the London Olympics
  • Martin Brown, Chief Security Portfolio Architect for BT
  • Andrew Davis, Director of digital and social media agency The Worst Kept Secret

Subjects covered will include password cracking, surfing safely online, protecting sensitive data, social media reputation issues, mobile device security and people's own responsibilities towards protecting their data.

'We are taking many measures across the University to protect our data and Information Security Week is one initiative designed to raise awareness of the importance of information security,' said Paul Saunders.

'There are many technological solutions we can put in place to protect our data but the behaviour of our users is paramount. We want to have informed staff and students who understand the responsibilities involved in using mobile devices, cloud storage, information systems and social media as well as the operational and personal advantages.'

Talks and events will be held across the University campus throughout the week of February 10th to 14th.

 

 

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902