New Survey Indicates Rise Of Data Loss In Education Sector

Almost half of respondents to a survey by iStorage at education technology show Bett 2014 reveal losing portable storage devices containing confidential data

Research conducted by iStorage at the recent Bett 2014 education technology conference has revealed that 45% of respondents have lost a portable storage device that contained personal or work related data – a 7% rise from last year’s survey at the same event. The survey was conducted across approximately 290 education professionals at the conference by the leading specialist in portable data storage and digital encryption.

The survey also revealed that 97% of all respondents carry data on USB sticks, portable hard drives, CDs or DVDs, but that 73% do not encrypt the data on these devices. Although a high percentage of education professionals are not encrypting data on portable data storage devices, 97% consider data loss to be a growing concern and 94% agree that an encrypted data storage device is preferable to an unprotected drive for daily use.

The iStorage team was on hand to discuss data storage requirements with teachers, head teachers and IT staff and to provide advice on data protection. iStorage exhibited its range of secure USB flash drives and hard drives at the conference that took place at ExCel London. Under the Data Protection Act, education professionals are obliged to use encryption to protect all portable devices such as USBs and external hard drives.¹ It is recommended that USB drives should be password protected and fully encrypted to prevent reputational damage and a monetary penalty for losing data.

“Results from the survey show that data protection is a growing concern for education professionals, however, not everybody is implementing a high-level of security when it comes to portable data storage devices,” states John Michael, CEO of iStorage. “Theft, loss or unauthorised access to portable data storage devices containing sensitive data may cause harm to pupils, parents or staff and can seriously affect continuity. If inadequate steps have been taken for protection, it also amounts to a breach of the data protection act, which can result in a fine of up to £500,000 from the ICO, adverse publicity and potential job losses of those responsible.”

iStorage products are ideal for use in schools, colleges and universities as they comply with ICO requirements for data protection. The diskAshur DT portable hard drive allows for secure back up of all school data and servers and the datAshur and diskAshur USB drives  are perfect for those times when sensitive data needs to leave school premises. All of the company’s products are compatible with any operating system and are easy for staff working at educational institutions to implement and use.

For further information on iStorage’s range of data storage solutions visit www.istorage-uk.com or call +44 (0)20  8991 6260

About iStorage

iStorage provides high performance and ultra secure portable data storage and security products to users who need to protect their data held on PCs, Macs and portable devices. The founders of iStorage are pioneers in their field and hold several patents, both granted and pending, on a range of related data storage and security products. With a strong belief in careful product selection and unrivalled customer service, iStorage continues to deliver market leading innovations in portable data storage and digital encryption technology. Further information can be found on www.istorage-uk.com or by contacting info@istorage-uk.com / +44 (0)20  8991 6260.