A new online barometer designed to chart the levels of data security awareness amongst employees in businesses around the world has been launched by SAI Global.
The free tool is intended to benefit organisations that are trying to engage staff in the principles of good data protection, making it easier to build awareness as to the regulatory requirements and to identify where education may be required.
Many firms are seeking more engaging methods by which to educate staff as to the methods by which a viable and compliant information security policy can be implemented, according to SAI’s Iain McLeod.
Mr McLeod said that the information security barometer would allow businesses to emphasise the fact that individuals have as much responsibility for the proper protection of data as the organisation as a whole, and that building appreciation for individual as well as corporate responsibility does not have to be an unduly arduous task.
Businesses of all sizes are being encouraged to make use of the tool in order to catalyse data protection projects or to augment current initiatives that are aimed at heightening awareness as to the risks and rewards of proper data security practices.
SAI’s barometer provides a step-by-step guide to various scenarios with which staff may be faced on a day to day basis. In presenting those responsible with situations in which they have to think about how data security can be applied, they will learn new techniques and improve their general awareness, according to Mr McLeod.
The barometer exercise is concluded in a matter of minutes, with the results delivered in the form of a rating that documents awareness levels in the context of data protection and information security.
Mr McLeod said that there is a growing need for businesses to explain and to transfer knowledge about data security. Many of the techniques currently employed are dry to the point of being counter productive, often resulting in a lack of engagement, clarity or indeed a clear outcome.
SAI hopes that the barometer approach will assist organisations in more effectively bringing the requirements of data protection to the attention of staff everywhere.
