10 Mar 2009

IT security 'must minimise data loss'

Any facility used to store public information must be effectively secured, according to an expert.

Data compilation projects such as those initiated by the government are a target to cybercriminals, claims Michael Parker, a spokesperson for ID card opposition campaign NO2ID.

"Any public project that revolves around storing, collecting and handling personal information has to be designed from the ground up to be constructed in such a way that the risks of data loss are minimal," he states.

Mr Parker adds that compiling information such as ID cards and criminal records in a large database is not the answer.

Any project which requires time and effort to effectively secure will be worth the energy needed to hack it, the expert concludes.

The Guardian recently reported privacy rights will have to be sacrificed in order to give security services access to a range of personal information.