Companies urged to make security top of board's agenda

The National High-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) has called for increased board level awareness of security issues and more industry co-operation.

Speaking to silicon.com, Tony Neate, tactical industry liaison for the NHTCU, urged companies to make security their top priority and said IT security is an issue which must be addressed at the boardroom level.

"Security is not only the IT department's concern any more, but an issue needed to be dealt across the corporation. Companies need to make sure everyone from systems administrators to board directors is aware of IT security," he said.

Neate also urged the IT industry to help the police build both public and business confidence in computer security.

"We need to talk with one another more openly about the complex issues facing companies today and need to encourage more high-tech crime reporting," he said.

The NHTCU was launched by Jack Straw in April last year. Neate said the Unit has made a real difference.

"We still have a long way to go in crime reduction, but we have made distinct moves towards the right direction," he told silicon.com.