A RECENT event, hosted by Cable & Wireless Communications, saw an invited audience from major local businesses and Government enjoy a series of presentations by high-calibre visiting speakers, each an expert in their field.
The speakers flew to the Isle of Man to address the audience on the implications of forthcoming changes to UK and EU legislation and regulation in data collection, data security and storage.
It is clear that the Isle of Man plays a pivotal role in a number of data-dependent sectors, such as financial services and eGaming; while the island has its own data security legislation, local firms are increasingly conducting business in other territories, and it is more important than ever to be ‘data compliant’.
The panel of experts, all industry heavy weights in the front line of managing data risk, security and compliance, were well versed in the legal implications of information security, learning through experience how to manage data usage and regulatory compliance whilst maximising commercial opportunities.
First to present was Colin Whittaker, the vice president of Payment System Risk for VISA Europe, who talked about data security from the perspective of a major financial services institution.
Next on stage was Matthew Tyler, CEO of Blackfoot UK, a leading security, risk and compliance consultancy, who outlined the dangers of managing cyber security, with some fascinating examples of successes and failures. The first of two lawyers to present was Tim Ryan, a partner in Clarke Wilmott LLP, who addressed the audience on the legal landscape surrounding data and digital business.
Frank Jennings, a lawyer specialising in ‘cloud’ technology, intellectual property and data security, spoke as the chairman of the UK Cloud Forum and advised on issues concerning best practice in ‘cloud’ security.
The final speaker was Justin Bellinger, business development director for Cable & Wireless Communications, who drew proceedings to a close with his perspective on securing and storing data.
After a lively question and answer session with the speakers, guests enjoyed networking over drinks and canapés.
Andy Bridson, chief commercial officer of Cable & Wireless Communications, said after the event: ‘It was a pleasure to host the visiting speakers here on the Isle of Man.
‘Whilst we have our own legislation for data security, most island enterprises and Government departments also have extensive relationships with businesses in the UK and in the EU.’
Andy added: ‘It is essential that companies are up to speed with the implications of impending changes to regulation on data security and storage and, at Cable & Wireless Communications, we are delighted to be helping our fellow local businesses to understand these implications. We hope that this event will be the first of a series, where we can share best practice with Island firms on a range of important topics.”
The seminar was well received by the audience.
Comments included: ‘it was a very interesting presentation’, ‘I very much enjoyed it and look forward to the next event’, and ‘I thought Matt was a fascinating speaker, the film he showed was excellent’
The feedback also suggested that an island-based business forum would be welcomed, set up to discuss data and cyber-security issues in greater depth.
