Cos tighten digital leash on staff to block data leaks
Firms across banking, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and FMCG sectors are implementing several restrictions that include location-based email blocks, smartphone bans in production areas, screenshot-disabled devices and automated alerts triggered when sensitive information is shared externally.
The security crackdown has intensified over the past two years as companies scramble to safeguard intellectual property, manufacturing processes and strategic business information from competitors and hackers.
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"Most chemical companies are taking necessary measures to maintain confidentiality. Smartphones are not allowed on the floor to protect process integrity. Similarly, pen drives are restricted on office systems, and data is stored on the cloud rather than locally. Such is the focus on data security that code names are given to everything, right from raw material to process inputs," said Manish Kiri, former president of the Gujarat Dyestuffs Manufacturers' Association (GDMA).
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Co-operative banks have also begun adopting similar cybersecurity protocols. The Rajkot Nagarik Sahakari Bank Limited has deployed a multi-layered system to protect its digital infrastructure. "Accessing official email via the internet is limited to senior employees, while others can access official email only on their office desktops," said Dinesh Pathak, chairman of the bank.
"We've restricted USB access, implemented mobile device management (MDM) systems to block screenshots and file sharing, and added alerts that notify us if an employee attempts to email a customer's name, phone number, PAN or Aadhaar details outside the bank's network.
We've also taken steps to mitigate ransomware risks," he adds.
Pramod Sharda, CEO of a global corporate email and collaboration solutions provider, said there has been a marked increase in demand for such controls in the past two years.
"In Gujarat, companies in banking and financial services, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles and FMCG are increasingly deploying tools that limit employee activity on enterprise platforms.
Most follow a bring your own device (BYOD) policy but restrict functions such as email access when employees are out of state, taking screenshots and sharing attachments. These measures help ensure that sensitive data is not leaked to competitors or misused," Sharda explained.
"We even use code names for products to conceal manufacturing processes. Digital data protection is vital, and we have implemented multiple restrictions on employee access accordingly," said a pharma company's director, requesting anonymity.
Munjal Patel, director of a leading pharma company said, "We are active in a very competitive market where data, process and product security are a must. For the last three years, we have decided not to allow smartphones at our plants. Only the plant head and department head can use them."
"Our email has several data security features. Only the top 5% of employees can forward any email to someone outside the company. Pharma companies need to protect information related to new packaging, molecular formula and drug master files (DMF) and therefore, such precautions are required," he added.
Nirav Shah, former president, GESIA IT association said that these measures were already being implemented in the IT sector. "Now, all the other sectors have become cautious about sharing sensitive information. Therefore, many non-IT companies have also begun measures such as location- and device-specific online access."
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