Data Protection Officer: A New Standard Title in IT?

If new EU data protection legislation becomes law as expected, companies that do business in Europe will soon need to recruit for a new senior-level IT job: Data Protection Officer.

The legislation, and the mandated new role, is the latest development in EU officials' increasing focus on data protection and privacy regulations. Any company that does business in Europe or that handles data for European consumers would need to comply or risk stiff, seven-figure fines.

The “data protection officer” (DPO) role would be largely independent, reporting directly to a company's senior management, according to Network World. Primary responsibilities would include: 

• Auditing a company's data privacy and protection policies and compliance
• Reporting any violations to senior management 
• Registering the DPO's identity with relevant EU regulatory agencies and the public

If the law passes, it would be the first legally mandated data protection position in the world. One big challenge for companies, however, will be hiring candidates with the right experience and credentials for the job, says Carolyn Holcomb, who leads PricewaterhouseCoopers' data protection and privacy practice. 

Read more at Network World

Inside the Guts of a Data Center

Data center technology is changing to keep pace with companies' growing data needs. The Wichita Business Journal offers a behind-the-scenes look at one such data center from ISG Technology. The company is experimenting with new technologies to increase performance and energy efficiency, including a "hot aisle-cold aisle system" to quickly cool the server room.

Read more at Wichita Business Journal

The Insider Threat of Government Data Loss

Internal employees are among the biggest threats to company data. Cisco found that 20 percent of IT leaders consider disgruntled employees the biggest data loss threat, a fear that extends to the public sector, too. Security experts gathered this week in Australia to discuss the insider threat posed by government workers, whether their intentions are malicious or innocent. 

Read more at CSO

Apple Eyes Healthcare with iPhone 6 Launch

The world is buzzing about the (supposedly) soon-to-be-announced iPhone 6. One traditional industry where the new device is expected to make waves is healthcare. There’s big potential in mobile health, though Apple and healthcare companies must address lingering data protection challenges to keep sensitive data safe and secure. 

Read more at Marketplace

Image via Can Stock Photo