Wikileaks is the name on everyone’s lips right now. As an organization they are dedicated to the outing of secrets and establishment of utter transparency. At the forefront of Wikileaks is Julian Assange, an Australian who describes himself as the “lightning rod” for attention and criticism for the mostly-anonymous group.
Since the beginning of 2010 Wikileaks has released a huge quantity of confidential material, most of it diplomatic or military in nature. A massive trove of communications detailing the failures and successes of the Iraq war, as well as an additional release for the current conflict in Afghanistan, shocked the world with the information found therein.
In a interview with the Forbes magazine earlier this week Assange made it clear that their attentions were not devoted solely to military and governmental matters. The next leak, Assange maintains, will focus on a major US bank. He has promised that leaks targeting large corporations will follow.
How can you protect yourself and your company from Wikileaks? Sensitive data needs to be locked, and available only to those who need it. That starts with evaluating personnel, and ensuring that you’ve got the right people in the right place.
The next step is communication. It is absolutely vital that your communications channel is secure from end to end. Wikileaks themselves use total chain encryption, and release files openly with powerful encryption in place. By securing your document channel you reduce the likelihood that your vital data will be intercepted and released (generally without context).
Finally, storage. Documentation and data needs to be preserved, but preserve it securely. Encrypt heavily and protect your information from casual theft. Your data is your own, your privacy is your responsibility. With some forethought you can keep yourself and your data safe.