Private firms 'need more data protection motivation'

The argument for enhancing their data security policies is not currently as strong for private businesses as it is for public sector organizations, one expert has asserted.

Redscan Internet Security Analyst, Simon Heron, explained that firms have not received the same incentives or access to training as government bodies and are therefore lagging behind in terms of information protection measures.

"Private companies have probably been more adept at keeping their losses much more quiet," he explained, adding that this means they have not invested as much as public bodies have in enhancing their processes.

He pointed out that "there is not a clear, financial benefit" at present for businesses to ensure they comply with the Data Protection Act and suggested that information security could improve in the private sector "when the ICO [Information Commissioner's Office] actually start fining companies".

Mr Heron's remarks come after the ICO published a new report indicating that the public organizations are ahead of the business community in terms of their knowledge of relevant issues.

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