More testing, upgrading software and rebalancing needs may curb UK Company’s data Loss

With the introduction of the new data privacy laws, only 26 percent of UK businesses admitted that they thought they were in full compliance of the data privacy laws. Some UK businesses are still struggling to understand fully if they are in compliance and what the steps are to become so. In addition, many UK companies are using newer technology to keep sensitive customer and company data safe from hackers and thieves. Through a series of rigorous testing, companies ensure their systems are safe. But, are there enough tests a company can run on their equipment worth millions of pounds?

Some experts are of the opinion that it isn’t newer technology that is causing data losses and power outages. The culprit, they argue, is some companies buying cheaper software to run systems. More expensive software, with fewer bugs, may be available. But companies must decide if they are willing to pay more to have a developer work out the software bugs. Software development and testing is not cheap and it can take time to work the bugs out. While some business owners may be saving upfront to buy cheaper software, they may not be saving as much as they think. Some bugs can lead to vulnerabilities and open a company’s network up for an attack.

Is the ‘buggy’ software program really a human problem?  

A chief information officer at the London-based oil and gas exploration company, Tullow Oil, cites human factors are the reason for most system failures. Some employees may not fully be following testing procedures 100 percent.

This may be part of the reason why UK companies are experiencing a high number of data loss and might play a role in some of the ‘system failure.’ However, in addition to not running enough tests, human error for failing to comply all testing at some companies, and trying to save upfront costs, UK  companies may have a hard time preventing data loss because they set themselves up to fail.

The link between running outdated software and data Losses 

Some UK companies may think it is cheaper to buy the outdated software than buy the newer, more expensive software. But, they may not be ready for the cost of owning software that the manufacturer now longer supports or offers updates. Third-party vendors may be the only option some UK businesses have to keep their systems running. Why not simply upgrade to the newest technology and open the door less to hackers and the possibility of data loss?  Then, a company may increase spending by needing a specialist to recover any lost data when a system shuts.