Of all damage to machine-readable files resulting in financial loss, a significant majority is due to human error, omissions or accidents. Human error accounts for up to 60 percent of damage to files stored in computer systems according to research conducted for Datapro Research Corp. Intentional employee abuse accounts for another 20 percent of damage. Environmental threats, including fire, electrical, and water mishaps, account for between 10 and 15 percent of damage. Threats from outside hackers account for less than 3 percent of the loss.
While libraries should be conscious of security against physical damage and actions of outsiders, the greatest need apparently continues to be good training and supervision of staff to minimize errors and to guard against intentional abuse.
The report; "The Need for Security," was written by Carl B. Jackson, director of computer security for the Ford Aerospace and Communication Corp. To obtain copies of the report, contact Datapro Inquiry Service, 1805 Underwood Blvd., Delran, NJ 08075. (800) 257-9406.
