NEOS Technology CEO Robert Collins urges businesses to secure client and corporate data

ALBANY — NEOS Technology CEO Robert Collins had a simple message for the Dougherty County Kiwanis Club Monday. “How does technology impact your organization? Ask Target’s former CEO.”

Early last month, Target CEO Greg Steinhafel was fired by the company following a data breach in which hackers stole credit card information for 40 million Target customers and names, phone numbers, addresses or email addresses of 70 million customers. The breach was one of the largest security lapses in corporate history.

“This year is the first time we are beginning to see people lose their jobs because of technology,” Collins said, “and it’s generally the people aspect that gets us into trouble. If you don’t have a tech policy in place, write one, then train your people.

Collins added that securing client and corporate data should be at the top of every CEO’s priority list. He also said don’t ignore the smart phones which are becoming crucial tools in conducting business.

“As of 2012, the number of smart phone users in the United States stood at approximately one third of the total population and industry experts expect this number to continue rising into the future,” Collins said. “More than 25 percent of employed adults are now using their own smart phones (Bring You Own Device) to access and/or store company information, according to a new survey by IT security company ESET.

“Employees like bringing their smart phones to work and employers are letting them do so. This raises security risks. What happens to company data when the employee leaves? What if the mobile device is stolen? What is your plan?”

Before founding NEOS Technologies in 2003, Collins served as chief information officer for Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus; managing consultant for Healthlink Inc.; director of information technology of Archbold Memorial Hospital, Thomasville; director of information technology at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Cookeville, Tenn.; and specialized in engineering/computers in the Air Force.