The Edward Snowden revelations over the last few weeks have opened up new areas of concern for businesses worldwide regarding outside threats to their intellectual property, it is claimed.
Peter Clements, of Templepan Security Systems, says: “The changes in the global business landscape have brought new opportunities to many companies, but with it, increased threats to their business. The cyber-espionage threat from countries such as China, remain an issue for many European businesses. However, since the leaks by Snowden on several US and British government mass surveillance programs, concern has also turned towards the US and Russia.
“Although the revelations are worrying for many businesses it does reinforce the message that sound security measures need to be an integral facet of any business plan. Although cyber-attacks are recognised to be on the increase, they are certainly not the only threat to a business. Companies now need to review their current security procedures and ensure that these new threats are encompassed within it.
“Listening devices, for example, have become increasingly sophisticated and can be voice activated and slotted easily inside a mobile phone. Worryingly they are also available legally from the internet. As they are unregulated it is also impossible to track them back to the original user.
“It is not always understood by senior management that they should take the most basic precautions against eavesdropping should be implemented. Information leaks via telephones, faxes, wireless LANs, boardroom radio microphones and mail all need security procedures to minimise their exposure to information loss.
“Many executives seriously undervalue these risks and are blind to the value of the information that lies within their organisation. Information is the most important and valuable asset an organisation has, yet it is the physical assets that tend to receive the most attention and protection, not the spoken or written word.”
About Templepan Security Systems
Founded in 1972 Templepan was originally established to provide corporate organisations, banks and financial institutions with the confirmation they needed that their buildings were free from hidden listening devices. Templepan provides a range of corporate security services including electronic counter-surveillance inspections and its associated monitoring equipment, CCTV installation and maintenance, covert detection systems, Close Protection Services to VIP clients and a comprehensive security service for executives. The company is also a member of the City of London Crime Prevention unit.
