Despite the recent surge in global interest towards data security, organisations are consistently failing to proactively determine what information requires protection and where the risk of a privacy breach exists.

The finance industry aggregates a tremendous amount of client data through its day-to-day operations. Leakage of this type of data is often catastrophic for organisations particularly from a brand image perspective and can lead to loss of customer trust and even regulatory fines.

In this current climate, South Asian Technologies Pvt Ltd partnered with A-Networks Pvt Ltd to share a holistic view of implementing a Data Protection Framework, through a panel discussion held recently in Colombo.

Both organisations aim to provide the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance Sectors (BSFI) with greater control, transparency and visibility over their data by creating a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge between organisations.

Moderated by Dilan Walgampaya, a renowned independent Cyber Security Consultant, the discussion was attended by IT Security Thought Leaders from across various organisations. Also taking part were Amitha Munasinghe Head of Information Systems Audit at Commercial Bank, Harsha Wanigatunga Chief Information Officer at Seylan Bank and Suresh Emmanuel Assistant Vice President - Information Security at Nations Trust Bank.

The discussion saw an in-depth analysis of the importance of a Data Protection strategy and Framework with IT decision makers across industries and the stance the Central Bank of Sri Lanka would take in implementing these solutions.

Commenting on the discussion, CEO of South Asian Technologies, Sanjaya Padmaperuma said, “We believe it is imperative we have these conversations in order to implement robust cyber security standards in Sri Lanka, towards where it needs to be in order to not be left behind in the global economy. Our partnership with A-Networks is a dynamic approach that will see the construction of intelligent data protection strategies for BFSI organisations. If Sri Lanka is to be a player in the Global Cyber Economy, we must be proactive and committed in setting sensible standards and practices, going forward to the future”.

“We are very pleased to be working together with SAT on this venture. The synergies brought to the table by both organisations will enable us to facilitate revolutionary solutions for our clientele. A flexible and progressive mindset is necessary when facing the coming challenges in the Data Protection Domain’’, said CEO of A-Networks Bishrul Ahmed.

As leading ICT and Security Solutions Vendors, South Asian Technologies and A-Networks bring together a wealth of experience in implementing solutions across a wide range of organisations in South Asia.

Photo caption: (From left) Chetiya Wijerathne - AVP - South Asian Technologies; Harsha Liyanage - EVP - South Asian Technologies; Sanjaya Padmaperuma – CEO - South Asian Technologies; Bishrul Ahmed – CEO - A-Networks; Ajmeer Haniffa - Vice President and Tuan Mubarak - Head of Business Development Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives - A-Networks