Foreword

Malcolm Marshall
Partner

Data may be as valuable as gold, yet it can slip through your fingers like water...

In the digital age, protecting information has become a major priority for almost all organizations. If it gets into the wrong hands, your business could suffer. If the media hear about an embarrassing leak, your reputation could plummet.

At the same time, holding on to data is becoming much harder, because information can now be stored and accessed in a greater variety of ways and in ever larger quantities.

In this publication we look at some of the ways data can be lost or stolen, using the latest findings of the Data Loss Barometer; our research into worldwide reports of data loss incidents. We also consider how to build an infrastructure and a culture that are geared towards keeping information secure - and which can respond swiftly when under threat.

As the global recession has led to an increase in intellectual property theft, now is the time to shore up your defenses.

Malcolm Marshall, Partner, Information Protection and Business Continuity, KPMG in the UK

Data Loss Barometer methodology

The Data Loss Barometer analyzes data loss incidents reported around the world since 2005. Such data is freely available in some countries thanks to legislation that ensures full disclosure of data loss incidents. In other countries, information is obtained via KPMG's network of international firms and consultants. Key information sources include the media, internet searches and independent news or data feeds.

Care is taken to use data only from reputable and independent sources. Availability, consistency and accuracy of information can vary between sources, countries and by type of incident.

A list of the information sources used is too large to include on this website but particular thanks should go to the Open Security Foundation who have provided invaluable support and information.