IT officers at British firm have been advised to focus on their data handling procedures when considering their risk management precautions.

According to blogger Stuart King, writing on ComputerWeekly.com, the threat to customer data from unforeseen leaks should be of utmost importance for IT managers since the past year has seen so many high profile incidents.

He urged IT officers to make sure they are clear about the role of information security in their firm and can make business continuity decision to provide adequate defences against a data leak.

Recent breaches at the National Health Service, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs have seen millions of peoples records escape from supposedly secure controls and be put at risk.

So in light of these events, Mr King advised extra care from IT managers - highlighting recent communication innovations such as voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services as one potential flaw in network systems that may be exploited by malicious hackers.