Set high standards for data security: Your Say

Letter to the editor:

With Home Depot confirming last week that credit card data were stolen, it's clear that data theft is becoming common. While incidents like this suggest a strong need for next-generation solutions to cybersecurity threats, the unfortunate fact is that unless policymakers step up and implement regulations for stricter, more universal security protocols, such breaches will become increasingly prevalent, especially as the Internet expands.

The state of data security regulation is disorganized and ineffective. With no central mechanism to monitor and enforce data security standards, it's unlikely that companies will proactively address these threats.

Nick Warren, CEO, MetaSensor Inc.; San Francisco

Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

Another store for me to make sure I have cash when I go, if I go at all.

— Ronald Sawtelle

Organizations frequently face data breaches and security lapses. A security requirements analysis should be an integral part of the business plan to check possible threats. It is also important for organizations to conduct regular security maintenance and testing focusing on the most common threats to their applications.

— VeeNod Koomar

When will we finally catch up with other countries with merchants accepting chip-based cards? It won't eliminate theft, but it's a good defense.

— Lee Hoffman

What no one wants to admit is that U.S. companies need to upgrade to higher levels of security. They are trying to get by on the cheap, and it isn't working.

— Al Allen