The criminal use of another’s good name for personal gain has grown into a $100 billion industry. Harvesting information about an organization, its good name, the identity of its customers, suppliers and employees has grown exponentially along with the growth of the new Information Age. Commercial espionage has become a global business industry. Sadly, a significant portion of the harvested information ultimately finds its way into criminal hands. Protecting your data has now become a matter of self preservation.

A streamlined data management plan is your key to self preservation. This plan should include a retention schedule, archiving, data growth, data deduplication and preparation for e-discovery. E-discovery is a very important aspect of your plan; therefore, the plan should be structured in a way to allow legal counsel ease of access to data in the case of litigation.

I would like to invite you to an Executive Round Table at the Eldorado Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, September 11, 2008. Complimentary breakfast will begin at 7:15 a.m. The Executive Round Table will begin at 8:00 a.m. and finish promptly by 9:30 a.m. Our panel discussion leaders are experts in their field. This fast-moving 1 ½ hour panel discussion will help you to assess the data security risks, compliance and solutions confronting your organization. General Council, CIO and/or Chief Security Officer from your institution are welcome to attend.

There is no charge for the meeting. Seating will, however, be limited so we would appreciate an RSVP at your earliest possible convenience. RSVP: Leslie Peterson at 870 234 9928 or by e-mail: lpeterson@ifsallc.com.