Information Security is High Priority for 2015

High value data science provides secrets that enable organizations to provide unique value and premium pricing to the marketplace. Intellectual property and human capital is the key differentiator in the modern economy. A major concern for organizations building and using big data analytical ecosystems is data security. One major flaw of public cloud platforms, the Hadoop ecosystem and many NoSQL databases is weak security.

The fact is modern societies and economies are dependent on insecure, vulnerable digital networks. Information is the lifeblood of all organizations. Yet some information is more important and must be protected to maintain competitive advantage, and human health and safety.

Yet recent evidence suggests many private and public organizations underestimate the risk of weak information security systems. The lack of investment in robust security is shortsighted and has the potential to cripple or destroy. Recent security breaches (that we know about) includes the following organizations: Sony, Target, Home Depot, JPMorgan, U.S. Postal Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The list of security breaches we do not know about is far greater and disturbing.

In addition to security breakdowns in private communications, documents and customer databases (credit card and social security numbers), consider the potential damage caused by cybersecurity breaches for extended periods in the financial system, power plants, and water/food supply systems. Our society and economy would be devastated with anarchy likely killing millions.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the number of significant breaches rose 62 percent in 2013 to 253 and 2014 is likely worse. A recent study estimated the worldwide cost of cybersecurity between USD $375 billion and $575 billion annually, including stolen credit cards and the expense of protecting systems.

Considering the real risk, the current lack of security is unacceptable and must change immediately. Robust security of digital information networks is now a high priority for both private organizations and governments.