Information protection and security
Information protection and security **Information Protection and Security**
Owners of industrial and commercial establishments, as well as ordinary individuals, fear the theft of their information and business data, whether it is written on paper documents or stored electronically on computers.
Securing and protecting establishments involves achieving the highest levels of information security, which primarily includes not disclosing any information about the establishment and its nature of work to anyone outside the organization. It also involves protecting the establishment from unauthorized access to steal documents or any form of theft. However, the burden of ensuring that this crucial data is not stolen falls on the establishment’s owner and those responsible for safeguarding the information and data. But how is this done?
Information protection and security
**Firstly,** let’s agree that the term “data” includes all important or confidential information within the establishment, including documents, contracts, operational data, and any other documents and information stored on paper or electronic devices, as well as other storage media like films and slides.
**Secondly,** to protect this data within the establishment, all paper documents and easily stored items should be kept inside a securely locked safe that can only be opened by those who have the secret code or are authorized to open it. If the data is stored on computers, it must be protected by anti-hacking or anti-piracy software.
**Thirdly,** for establishments whose nature of work requires a dedicated room for storing data and information, the following should be observed when establishing the room:
1. The materials used in building the room should be non-flammable, with non-flammable walls, to prevent fires in the establishment from reaching the information storage room. The room should be designed with a structurally separate annex that is electronically connected to store electronic backup copies, ensuring that information is automatically saved to the main storage room.
2. The information storage room should be located away from other sections.
3. A special fire-resistant area equipped with protective features should be designated for storing electronic disks and data tapes.
4. All materials used in covering the floors and ceilings should be fire-resistant.
5. The construction finishes should be dustproof and prevent dust formation.
6. The room should be equipped with a system to expel smoke and gases produced by fires, especially since electronic components are highly sensitive.
7. The floors should be covered with fire-resistant insulating tiles, with sufficient gaps between the artificial and real floors for electrical wiring, fresh air ducts, and cooling water pipes for high-power computers to withstand high temperatures.
8. Fire-resistant and reflective cabinets should be provided to offer complete protection against heat and humidity for storing information media and files. The cabinets should be kept closed after documents are taken out.
9. All furniture, accessories, and finishes for the floors, walls, and ceilings in rooms with central storage systems should be fire-resistant and non-combustible.
10. The doors of storage rooms should be fire-resistant and securely locked, with an automatic locking mechanism that activates when the external temperature rises.
