Businesses must take action to protect themselves against these and other threats, as increased Payment Card Industry-Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) regulations, data breach exposure compliance, and new encryption laws hold companies completely accountable for any data leaks that occur, even if it is the fault of an employee or happens accidentally. Beyond mandates, businesses must be increasingly proactive about data security to keep customers loyal. Studies have found that upwards of 30 percent of customers terminate their relationship with organizations following a data breach-a costly risk that can be easily avoided with proactive security measures.

Increased data loss expected as employees travel

Over 24 million people are expected to travel through airports across the United States during the 12-day Thanksgiving travel season that falls from November 21 through December 2, according to the Air Transport Association of America (ATA). Many travelers carry laptops, memory sticks and smartphones that hold sensitive corporate data, leaving the information open to theft should these devices be stolen in airports, left in taxis, or forgotten in hotels. According to research from the Poneman Institute, over 12,000 laptops were lost or stolen in airports each week in early 2008 and 65-70% of these were never reclaimed. If the trend holds, this past holiday weekend is easily on track to break previous records.

Threats continue into major holiday shopping season

According to leading retail analyst firm eMarketer, consumers are expected to spend approximately $32 billion on holiday shopping this year. Given the current economic climate heading into the season, cash-strapped consumers will rely more than ever on credit cards and are more likely to turn to the Internet for bargains. As shoppers swipe cards in stores on Black Friday, connect to unsecured e-commerce sites from their work devices on Cyber Monday, use risky laptop kiosks in airports or rush to conduct last minute shopping, the result is potentially damaging for both companies and consumers.

Most shoppers in traditional brick-and-mortar stores trust that retailers take proper precautions when handling customer credit card data. But recent high profile breaches at TJX, JC Penney and BJ's Wholesale prove this is not the case. The problem is only confounded when shoppers turn to online retailers and e-commerce sites. Employees shopping from mobile devices or computers supplied by their employers may unwittingly put corporate data at risk when shopping via a device connected to the corporate network, as unsecured sites can often open networks and sensitive data to eager hackers or thieves.

Protecting your company; protecting yourself

Based on these risks, corporations and individuals alike need to take proactive measures to protect data. Consumers should only shop with trusted retailers on secure sites and be sure never to click on spam email links or provide credit card information to unfamiliar companies. The best protection an individual has is to remain a smart, savvy consumer when making purchases online, especially from a corporate device.

For companies, the risks associated with losing data are higher, so the protection must be stronger and well planned. Technology solutions, such as DLP and encryption, are powerful enough to protect against most threats, yet still remain transparent to end users. To help companies ensure their data remains safe this holiday season, Utimaco is offering a free trial of its SafeGuard data security solution providing companies with comprehensive encryption on laptops, USB drives and other removable media that can be easily lost or stolen. Those interested in obtaining a trial download can obtain more details by visiting http://www.utimaco.com

Beyond technology alone, companies must also ensure that security policies in place mandate how sensitive data is accessed and by whom. Policies must also detail the steps that need to be taken if a device is lost or stolen and strictly enforce Internet access rules.

"Amid the excitement and business of this time of year, it is important that companies remain vigilant about protecting all of their sensitive information," said Nagraj Seshadri, head of product marketing, Utimaco. "Whether it is someone getting access to your network or an employee losing a device with confidential data, a data breach of any kind will have long lasting, damaging effects on customer loyalty, sales and general business. Utimaco remains committed to protecting all of our customers from these threats, during the holidays and throughout the whole year."

About Utimaco Safeware AG - The Data Security Company.

Utimaco is a leading global provider of data security solutions, enabling mid- to large-size organizations to safeguard their data assets against intentional or accidental data loss, and to comply with privacy laws. Utimaco's complete range of data security solutions provide full 360 degree data protection for data at rest, data in motion and data in use. Utimaco offers its customers comprehensive on-site support via a world-wide network of certified partners and subsidiaries. Utimaco Safeware AG, with headquarters in Oberursel, near Frankfurt, Germany, is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN DE0007572406). For more information please visit www.utimaco.com.