Debating Data Sharing, Security Post-Snowden

Photo: npr.org

I was in my car listening to NPR this morning when I heard a segment on Edward Snowden and the NSA leak scandal. This segment, which featured an interview with the agency's chief technology officer, seemed highly relevant to the field of IT management.

The NPR report focuses on how Snowden obtained classified information. Apparently, the U.S. government had created an information-sharing protocol so that members of various agencies could review data from other organizations.

As the report noted, an investigation into the Sept. 11 tragedy determined that information sharing could have proven useful in the days that preceded the terrorist attack.

In response to the Snowden scandal, government agencies are beefing up security and protecting sensitive information. The overarching question is whether these reforms will inhibit the type of file sharing that could prove useful in thwarting future attacks.

This conundrum exists in the corporate world as well. Companies must consider the level of security they employ to protect financials, internal communication, marketing strategy, etc. At the same time, it can prove beneficial to have a system in place where employees from different departments, or a cross-functional team, can access such information.

Here is the link to the NPR segment. It is well worth the listen.