How to protect your confidential information

(MS) — Despite a move toward a more digital and mobile workplace, a recent survey by Shred-it shows paper is here to stay, with most businesses reporting hard copies of documents will either increase or remain the same. As a result, it is critical that businesses protect their information in all forms while ensuring they have the correct policies in place.

Three common practices routinely put businesses at risk of a security breach, so it’s imperative to avoid these common pitfalls. An awareness of these bad habits can help businesses protect themselves and their sensitive information.

1. Recycling paper in blue bins: Although the documents are ultimately recycled and destroyed, they are exposed while in the blue bin. A fraudster can easily remove assets from the bin and use the information for their own purposes. To keep your information secure, use locked secure consoles. These will keep the information irretrievable and keep it secure until it is ready to be destroyed.

2. Leaving things on desks: Documents left on desks are not always secure, as anyone can easily come by and see confidential information. This exposes the information and puts you at risk of a security breach. It is wise to implement a clean desk policy that requires everyone to ensure that their desk is clear when they are away from it.

3. Only shredding documents that have clearly confidential information: This might be enough, but it is best to shred all documents if you want to guarantee that no information is compromised in any way. Shred-it suggests that you implement a Shred-it-All policy, which takes the guesswork out of what to shred and ensures your confidential information stays private. TF17B497