The "Data Handling Procedures in UK Government" report, published by the Information Commissioner's office in June 2008, highlighted the need to restrict access to public sector data and to encrypt data held on removable storage devices. Following its publication, the Scottish Government made £1million available to the Scottish Health Boards to enable them to comply with the latest data handling requirements. The report led to rigorous product specifications being developed for the procurement of information security products by public sector departments throughout the UK.
"Essentially, we needed a solution that would prevent anyone from storing patient data or any other health board information, onto a CD, DVD, USB stick or laptop, without having express permission to do so. Where this method of data transfer was sanctioned, we needed to know that the information was encrypted," says Mark Salveta, NHS National Services Scotland. "We reviewed products from ten vendors using a technical rating; cost and the quality of vendor's service. Lumension Device Control scored the highest," says Salveta.
Lumension Device Control, industry's leading data protection solution has already been rolled out at NHS Lothian and NHS Grampian, following a product evaluation period and a well planned staff education programme. The software provides IT departments with complete visibility of devices that have been connected to the network and centralised control over all USB device use. Data that is authorised for storage is encrypted and Lumension Device Control can be used to set limits on file size and type, to prevent entire databases being moved.
Commenting on the decision, Andrew Clarke, senior vice president of international sales for Lumension said: "We are delighted to have been chosen by NHS National Services Scotland, particularly after following such a rigorous product specification and selection process. Public sector organisations have recognised their responsibilities as the custodians of person identifiable records and are constantly refining best practice in data handling. NHS Scotland has demonstrated the value of using our technology to reinforce existing policies designed to safeguard patient data, by gaining control and visibility of all data transferred to portable devices."
About Lumension, Inc.
Lumension, Inc., a global leader in operational endpoint security, develops, integrates and markets security software solutions that help businesses protect their vital information and manage critical risk across network and endpoint assets. Lumension enables more than 5,100 customers worldwide to achieve optimal security and IT success by delivering a proven and award-winning solution portfolio that includes Vulnerability Management, Endpoint Protection, Data Protection, and Reporting and Compliance offerings. Lumension is known for providing world-class customer support and services 24x7, 365 days a year. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Lumension has operations worldwide, including Virginia, Utah, Florida, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, India, Hong Kong and Singapore. Lumension: IT Secured. Success Optimised.
More information can be found at www.lumension.com.