Page 22 - EngineerIT June 2022

ICT SECURITY

The high walls of data security

By Aaron Thornton, Chief Service Officer at Turrito Networks*

Privacy, data security, digital identity – walled security gardens are becoming
increasingly important tools for organisations looking to embed robust security

artner has long discussed the importance of walled gardens - high virtual walls
built by digital and driven by growing concerns around data, privacy, regulation
Gand identity. Gartner is looking at marketing and advertising, particularly with
regard to the giants of Facebook, Google and Amazon. Walled platforms that allow for
marketers to meet the needs of customers but that put data privacy at the forefront
of customer interaction and engagement. This is not the security of passwords and
networks, this is the security of information, data, personality and life - the open door
into the world of an individual who has built a home on social media and doesn’t realise
that the world is looking inside.
The reality is that people need to realise that if they’re posting on social media
platforms, they’ve given up their rights to their data. Plenty of docu-dramas, movies and For the employee who works long hours
documentaries have highlighted the ethical and privacy concerns of social networks and without needing encouragement, it
how the information gleaned from within these online environments is being used. There feels like an invasion of privacy. While
are few people who aren’t startled by the fact that they’ve talked about running with the employer is entitled to know that a
a friend on one platform, only to be hit by thousands of adverts for running shoes on person is doing what they’re supposed to
another. be doing because they’re paying them for
There are thousands of ways in which social platforms are tracking people. Permission a service, this is a can of privacy worms
given on these platforms allows them to see that there are apps that you use for running, that is rapidly wriggling open in the
that you are in a group dedicated to running, and that you regularly move a set distance modern, post-pandemic working world.
every other day. This information is intelligently extrapolated and analysed and sold to While there is no clear-cut pathway
a running shoe brand so they can sell their product to you. Users have no idea who is through the intricate complexities of
transacting with their data. privacy within these varied contexts,
companies and employees can take
Users are also volunteering their information to the internet some practical steps towards a shared
If organisations and individuals really want to respect privacy and ensure that their data resolution. The first is to engage in a
is secure, they need to read every privacy policy and make informed choices from there. culture of transparency. Employees
That said, research has found that it would take one person 250 hours to read the policy need to know that their employers are
documentation that goes with social media platforms and apps. Almost half a month that using tracking software or equivalent
nobody will spend. A fact that these companies rely on. Devices won’t work unless the solutions to assess their performance
Terms of Service are signed, apps won’t offer full functionality without them – users have so they can make an informed choice
to agree to these privacy policies or walk away. What this translates to is the importance upfront. There also needs to be a
of paying attention to what you share on social media as this can impact on your coherent work from home policy that’s
wellbeing and your career. clear on expectations, requirements and
Most recruitment teams and HR professionals will use social media to find out more key performance indicators. It is this
about a potential candidate. They will look at their different profiles and assess their transparency and setting of boundaries
online behaviour before recommending them for a role. If a person is posting photos that that will transform the thin walls of
are not putting them in the best light, they may end up damaging their career. No law privacy into thick walls of protection. This
firm is going to hire someone with a social presence that’s covered in alcohol and bad will allow individuals and organisations to
behaviour. Yes, this is private information, but it’s in the public domain so anyone can see create working frameworks that respect
it and use it against you. Again, privacy is a gossamer thin wall in the online environment. the realities of the online realm without
This conversation around privacy has also extended into the remote and hybrid losing the freedom to choose where the
working environment. Employers, concerned that people are not working their promised information sits, or who sees it. n
hours, are using tracking programmes that are designed to tell the business what the
employee was doing during the day. For the company that’s struggling with poor worker *aaron@turrito.com
performance, this ability to assess what a person has been doing all day is a lifesaver. www.turrito.com

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