We want to give our readers a global perspective on security issues. As part of this new series, Security Around the World, we sat down with the security team in each region and asked them to share their insight with the readers of SecureThinking. Ramiro Rodrigues, CSO for BT for Latin America and Iberia, discusses the state of network security in his region.
By: Ramiro Rodrigues, Chief Security Officer, Latin America and Iberia
In a region as dynamic as Latin America, it’s hardly surprising that we face myriad threats to our information security. What also should come as no surprise is that most of the data theft happens from mobile devices, such as smart phones, notebooks, and tablets. What might surprise you, however, is that according to a recent Yankee Group survey more than 80% of companies use only simple passwords to protect personally identifying information. While larger companies are certainly more rigorous, using digital certificates, tokens and smart cards, only 67% of companies use encryption technology to protect data.
Right now there is little pressure to improve information security requirements for businesses. This situation is unlikely to improve until either the volume of transactions increases or until there are governments in the region start to change the laws to protect personal data, rather than privilege easy access to data, which has been the case historically.
What is likely to stimulate an improvement in information security, however, is Brazil’s investment in information and communications technology ahead of the 2014 Soccer World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. In much the same way as the government and companies, such as BT, have invested heavily in both the network and its security for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the same will happen here in order to capitalize on both short and long term business opportunities.
As the global recession finally comes to an end and commodity prices rebound, businesses in Latin America will continue to lead the way as an emerging economic zone. Risk appetite will remain high and governments are unlikely to step in with regulations that might curb growth. As I see it, one of my primary responsibilities as CSO for BT in Latin America is to educate the stakeholder communities on the business case for securing not just individual data, but the whole network.
