Information management is a strategic topic. Each organization has to face up to two challenges: facilitating the circulation of information and, at the same time, guaranteeing its confidentiality.
At the edge of data monetization, we assist in the rise of Big Data analytics with the uncontested leadership of the GAFAM. But “small” data is just as valuable. In a context of economic warfare, our data is being scanned by cybernauts, experts eyes or even by competitors.
The combining of our data can reveal invaluable or vital information, about you. They become a challenge for competitiveness and performance for all whole economic actors.
The Butterfly Effect
Information can appear to be harmless, but, once disclosed on social networks, it can be linked with other information and give a piece an insight into you, your organisation, your work or other information on your behaviours (perhaps aspects you would not like to share!)
Some awareness videos made by the Airbus group, show that there’s no such thing as “small” information. The story begins by a post on Facebook “My new purchase!!”, following the purchase of a bow tie by an employee. From this trivial post, he receives adverts in his inbox encouraging him to buy super bowties. Finally, he clicks on one advert and without realising it, he downloads a malware program… Suddenly, the electricity goes out all over Airbus, and half of the Earth. While this is an exaggerated account,, this example highlights a real disastrous phenomenon: one simple click can paralyse your organization.
The Wink Link
Social engineering practices to collect information, via malware or human intelligence, are very common. The economic warfare is real. Information is the new ammunition in this new battlefield.
More than ever there are countless ways to obtain important information, even if this information seems insignificant.
The information management of fluxes (internal or external) are the main issues facing organizations: a breaking down of the silos between the services, inside the company, can also have consequences.
Going fast. Very fast. Too fast
A total break down of silos within an organization can have a negative impact. They can be justified by a willingness to go fast, very fast or even too fast… to answer business requirements. It can become very dangerous in the mid- to long-term. These strategies, if they are not well thought out, can lead to a loss of knowledge, and can increase exposure to weaknesses.
We don’t know what we can, or should do, with our information and data: to whom does it belong?
Some C-Levels started asking themselves about security levels, after reading the Washington Post’s report on “Big Cyber Mower” that could take away their companies or vital services.
They asked their SSI/ IT teams to look for solutions, agreed to meet editors, were ready to invest in miracle technical solutions to protect themselves from this worrying situation… To build a veritable information culture, these solutions should not be the only bricks in the wall.
A good comprehension of the strategy, the issues, the economic context of the organization is essential to implement measures to protect the most important value of their structure: the information!
Security must not be a brake to “business”, it should be a support, an enabler.
Also, on that note we will be present for the Les Assises event in Monaco for it’s 2018 edition. Meet us and discover our Cyber Security offer, click on the image for more information on registration!
