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TORONTO, September 3, 2009 – A new toolkit from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) is designed to help organizations be proactive in identifying data security and privacy risks. The toolkit titled “The Canadian Privacy and Data Security Toolkit for Small and Medium Enterprises” was authored by Claudiu Popa, a security industry veteran and President of Informatica Security Corporation, a Canadian provider of information risk management, security and privacy consulting. The special CICA publication features a foreword written by Jennifer Stoddart, Privacy Commissioner of Canada and an introductory chapter by Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. “Toolkits like these can serve as valuable resources for small- and medium-sized enterprises,” said Stoddart. “While technological advances offer undeniable benefits in terms of convenience and efficiency, they also provide organizations with the ability to collect, access and manipulate personal data on a scale that was until recent times unimaginable. New guidance to assist in adequately protecting this sensitive information is most welcome.” “One of the most daunting challenges facing businesses today relates to poor information management practices,” said Cavoukian. “The majority of privacy breaches occur largely because of this failing, especially relating to the storage and retention of the ever-increasing volume of personally identifiable information. That is why all organizations need to develop and maintain strong privacy policies and procedures for the protection of personal information and data security, before a privacy breach occurs.” The Privacy and Data Security Toolkit offers a number of valuable resources: - a comprehensive self-assessment to help determine your organization's information risks
- ready-to-use advice on privacy and security risks in key areas such as accounts payable, sales and marketing
- a resource-filled CD-ROM containing checklists, informative articles, training templates and a customizable privacy policy
“The costs of reacting to breaches almost always exceed those of adopting proactive measures to prevent such situations in the first place,” stressed Cairine Wilson, Vice-President, Member Services, CICA. “A privacy breach can trigger unpredictable costs incurred in immediately notifying all affected parties, preserving their trust and correcting the situation.” The CICA toolkit is available in both English and French. More information is available at www.cica.ca/privacy. The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA)
The CICA, together with the provincial, territorial and Bermuda Institutes/Ordre of Chartered Accountants, represents a membership of approximately 75,000 CAs and 12,000 students in Canada and Bermuda. The CICA conducts research into current business issues and supports the setting of accounting, auditing and assurance standards for business, not-for-profit organizations and government. It issues guidance on control and governance, publishes professional literature, develops continuing education programs and represents the CA profession nationally and internationally. CICA is a founding member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA). – 30 – For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Tobin Lambie, Manager, Media
CICA
(416) 204-3228
tobin.lambie@cica.ca
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