39% of financial sector organisations have been hit by data loss/theft

In addition, the data integration specialist says that 39% of respondents admitted that they have experienced data loss or theft, whilst 87% of those firms who admitted to suffering a data breach said that it had disrupted their business operations.

According to Informatica, for the majority of financial sector organisations (over 90%), its research suggests that real data forms a critical element when it comes to testing new applications and services.

The findings, says the company, also suggest that the threat of disciplinary action at the hands of regulatory bodies isn't enough to prompt businesses into action.

John Poulter, Informatica's senior vice president, said that there appears to be an overwhelming lack of confidence from IT professionals that their organisations have the right measures in place to ensure that customer data remains protected.

"To avoid the sting of a hefty fine from bodies such as the FSA, it's essential that organisations clearly define their data management strategy, implement best practice", he said.

Poulter went on to say that it is also important that firms make sure they deliver the same level of data management quality across the business at all times - whether as a part of live customer services, or in the development stages of new ones.

When asked about the potential consequences of lost or stolen customer data, 87% of respondents who admitted to suffering a data breach said that it disrupted business operations.

Over half, says the report, experienced reputation loss as a direct impact, highlighting the potential damage that poor data management could have for the organisation, and for customers.

What’s hot on Infosecurity Magazine?