Mark Surguy suggests that technology is both the problem and the solution when it comes to the issue of data protection and its legal implications (Do you know where your data is?).

However, closer consideration would suggest that technology is not the main concern.

Data is an incredibly valuable commodity. No one would ever consider stuffing a Jiffy bag full of £50 notes and sending it through the post to someone in the hope it arrives intact, if, in fact, it arrives at all. So why does the attitude persist that it is OK to do this with a few  million people's bank details, or the personal information concerning victims of crime, and then begin to worry when the data is lost?
The key to improving data security is changing this  attitude. Technology such as RFID or encryption can offer plenty of solutions to help prevent unauthorised access or corruption in the event of a breach.

However, if the right policies and procedures are already in place to foster a culture of prudence and forethought, these technology solutions should only ever have to offer the comfort of a backup plan.

George Purrio