IBM announced the patented Data Privacy Engine invention that allows businesses to protect personal data as it is transferred between countries, including across private clouds.
The patent – U.S. Patent #8,695,101 – allows businesses aggregate international and organizational requirements for data transfers and apply them to individual projects. As a result, organizations can see what restrictions have been put in place for different types of protected information when transferring it between two countries, including data stored in a private cloud.
The engine also flags cross-border privacy issues and provides recommendations on how to resolve each based on the information the business has input into the engine. In the event underlying privacy requirements change, the engine can be updated to reflect these rules. Users can then notify teams that previously approved transfers may need to be revisited to prevent potential violations
“Global businesses today face significant challenges in protecting personal data and keeping up with regulations in an environment where cross-border flows of information are more important than ever,” said Christina Peters, chief privacy officer, IBM.
“Our new invention provides a privacy technique that could help businesses navigate an increasingly complex landscape and help companies proactively manage risk,” Peters added.
For example, a company working on a project that requires transferring employee data via the cloud from a branch in one country to an office in another could use IBM’s patented data privacy engine to identify potential violations. The company’s compliance team could then be provided with all relevant details so that it can help the business make sure it is taking appropriate action.
The announcement comes on the heels of the launch of IBM’s intelligent security portfolio for protecting people, data and applications in the cloud. Earlier this year, the company introduced the IBM Threat Protection System and Critical Data Protection Program to help organizations protect their critical data in an environment.
Rajani Baburajan
editor@infotechlead.com
