The Silent Priority – The Topic Often Overlooked

We have all seen the news reports about some of the largest companies in the world facing security breaches and having their customer’s credit cards and other information stolen. 2014 was the year of security breaches.

Over the years I have met with hundreds of telecom vendors and consultants on a wide range of projects and initiatives. It is clear, the largest majority of them ignore one of the most basic and fundamental building blocks to building out networks, providing products and services.

SECURITY – SECURITY – SECURITY!

It is a topic which is often ignored and I can never explain why.

I remember asking a vendor a few years back, “what is your security approach and policy?”

This vendor sales representative did not have an answer. The sales engineer did not know. I asked to speak to their product team and they said, “we do not have an overall security plan or policy, but the product is secure.”

This type of answer certainly do not make a customer feel safe.

We take an abundance of risk when dealing with vendors. If we do not take action and due diligence we could end up liking a solution with limited to no security.

Technology leaders must make security a priority on a daily basis or else we put our companies and customers at risk.

The next time you meet with a vendor or consultant do not even ask about the product or service. First question should be is, “what is your security policy and future plans?”

If they cannot articulate their policy or plan you should think about passing on their overall offer.

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Brian Dowd is a senior technology leader with over 17 years of experience in telecommunications with a wide range of time on technologies, protocols, process, people/project management, software development and more. Brian is Senior Director / Head of Voice ILD Services & Solutions Engineering at Tata Communications.