Knowledge management: securing the future

Purpose Increased focus on knowledge within firms has not addressed the security implication. This paper aims to examine the implications of knowledge management for security. Design/methodology/approach This approach highlights the competitive advantage of knowledge with an emphasis on security. This paper reviews security for data and information and explores the dimensions of secure knowledge systems. The emphasis is on knowledge security and the development of future knowledge management systems. Findings This paper finds that there exists a general lack of focus on security in the knowledge management framework – both in a research setting and in practical applications. Knowledge is different from information and data and needs special consideration in firms. Research implications/limitations Designers of knowledge management systems can implement levels of security for different types of knowledge that reside within the organization. The concept of “secure knowledge management” has provided nascent models to address the management and protection of knowledge resources. Information systems researchers that are investigating knowledge have to include the protection and security of knowledge. Originality/value Knowledge management has moved to the forefront of both the research and corporate agendas. Harnessing the information and knowledge contained within firm data warehouses is one method to achieve competitive advantage. Various types of knowledge require different solutions. Designers of knowledge management systems can implement levels of security for different types of knowledge that reside within the organization. Future developments need to address securing the knowledge of a corporation, its most valuable asset.