PACS data security – or the integrity of personally identifiable information used in systems developed by the physical security industry – stands as the driving goal of new board that now has major support from a top official from industry powerhouse HID Global. The Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Data Advisory Board, launched in January, is designed to, in the words of the trade group, “develop and promote guidelines related to enhancing the security of personally identifiable information, protected health information and other sensitive data.”

Ongoing hacks of supposedly secure databases that hold personal identification data underscore the need for an even tighter focus on data security with the physical security industry

The responsibility for data security is “widespread,” the board says, which is why it will “work with manufacturers, integrators, end users and other stakeholders to promote the use of best practices at all levels.” The board’s work comes as ever more personal identification data is used in digital health care, travel, stadium-entry and retail applications—and as those applications are increasingly being distributed to smaller, handheld devices such as tablets and smartphones. As well, ongoing hacks of supposedly secure databases that hold personal identification data—whether by corporations, governments, retailers or non-profits—underscore the need for an even tighter focus on data security by all participants.

PACS data security board could lead to improve privacy

Kathleen Carroll, HID Global, to lead SIA’s new PACS data security group

SIA’s Data Privacy Advisory Board will have an industry heavyweight in its corner as it takes on those identification security issues. Kathleen Carroll, vice president, government affairs for HID Global, has been appointed as chair, according to the Security Industry Association.

“As a Certified Privacy Professional, I’ve been working on the forefront of privacy considerations in the security industry at HID Global for more than a decade, and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues across the industry to support privacy guidelines for all Americans,” she says.

Carroll has previous experience with the Security Industry Association. She had chaired the SIA Government Relations Committee since 2012, “managing its affairs with a particular focus on identity management issues,” says SIA. Those skills will no doubt transfer easily to the Data Privacy Advisory Board. The chair of the group’s Government Relations Board now passes to Craig Sharman, director, federal government relations, for Johnson Controls Inc.

“The fulfillment of these roles by Kathleen Carroll and Craig Sharman will benefit the security industry and safeguard precious advancements in advocacy,” says SIA CEO Don Erickson. “As top industry executives, they bring a wealth of expertise and contacts to the association, and I could not be prouder of their continued leadership in SIA affairs.” The SIA has some 750 member companies.

---

Related articles:

HID remains committed to privacy with IAPP certification Are states speeding toward mobile driver licenses? HID creates new position to address RFID use and privacy concerns