Data Security

How your employees might be increasing the risk of a data security breach

Data security breaches are seemingly on the rise.

You’ll regularly see news items highlighting the latest attack carried out by professional data thieves and hackers. But, the truth is that the vast majority of data security issues usually start with an employee mistake or best practice oversight. Although most work places will have policies in place designed to alleviate possible data breaches, the biggest challenge is having a system to check that they are being adhered to.

Here, we highlight a few areas where data and general access to it might be vulnerable.

  • Printer stations – Many offices have areas where banks of printers are all located together. Multiple employees all utilise the same area to collect prints but not everyone is prompt in doing so. Indeed, there are also a number of employees who will print matter and never collect it. Having a system where people have to log in to the printer to get documents to print, or having printers situated in access controlled areas or on employees desks are a few way to circumvent this issue.
  • Work area – The implementation of a clean desk policy can be a great way to cut potential security risks. Loose papers and unlocked computer screens can result in sensitive data being visible to all, heightening the opportunity for abuse.
  • Recycling bins – Although present with the best of intentions, open recycling or general waste baskets are huge security risks. Documents can be easily removed from these bins within the office but can also become targets again when moved outside to be emptied. Establishing a process where any sensitive documentation being recycled gets shredded first is good working practice.
  • Work habits outside the office – Many employees have access to work documents away from the office on mobile devices. Whether this be in hard copy form, downloadable or even through a remote link to the company network there are numerous security risks here. Regular practical advice and training should be offered, with mobile usage and access regularly monitored.

Data security is of the utmost importance in the modern working world and is only likely to increase as technology advances further and further over time. Implementing stringent procedures backed up by ongoing reviews is essential to achieve good working practice.

To add to the levels of data security you already have in place, Lanonyx call logging and call recording software can help to limit the impact of fraud either from incoming calls or within the workplace.

Please call 0333 0022 440, or contact us to find out more about call recording and call logging , or to organise a free trial. You’re now one-step closer to protecting your business’s interests from the threat of a data security breach.

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