Google sets example in medical records storage plan

Published: 20 May 2008 In: General

I am still amazed when I read stories that state thousands of users have credit card information leaked onto the Internet. Especially when it is clear that the reason they were leaked was because there was little concern for the security of the data collected.

In today’s Internet, many of us web site owners store data about our users and those who subscribe to our content. While there are many applications and solutions developed and pre-packaged to make life easier, the truly good applications put a large amount of effort into securing that user data in a secure environment.

This effort should not be discounted by any means. I thought it important to discuss the aspects of ensuring that your users data stays secure from prying eyes on the Internet. What sparked my interest in this topic was the recent news published by the Boston Globe, “Google unveils medical records storage plan“.

This story offers a great example of keeping data secure because it uses a basis that is dear to all of our hearts, our personal medical records. One quote that helps set the tone for maintaining users data is a quote from a Medical professional in the article that states, “We believe that patients should be the stewards of their own data”.

In the same way, we as Webmasters should apply the same level of care and concern about our users data, letting them be the “stewards of their own data”. Some simple rules that can be applied when considering the storage of our users data can be:

1.) Make our policies and procedures for maintaining and storing a users data clear to our users

2.) Provide a clear and easy method for a user to remove their data from our systems

3.) Securing our data systems from outside hackers and data thieves by storing our users data in a secured environment. (i.e. – Not on a laptop we carry around with us everywhere)

By taking care of our users data, and offering it the same level of concern we would to our own medical records, will certainly help us as Webmasters build credibility with our own user communities.

Related posts:

1. Google launches its 'let's annoy Microsoft' plan
2. Selecting the right Web Hosting plan
3. WordPress Security: Google to launch new tool
4. Adding a Search Engine to Your Website

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.