The British Security Industry Association has produced a guide to the Data Protection Act aimed at users of information destruction services.
The guide outlines the implications of the Data Protection Act for businesses and how BSIA information destruction companies can assist in meeting end-users’ legal obligations under the Act. BSIA Information Destruction Section Chairman, Simon Pearce says: "End-users are often unaware that their obligations under the Data Protection Act extend to ensuring that their Data Processor, ie the company they use to dispose of their confidential data, has the necessary security measures in place to comply with the Act. BSIA members can provide such guarantees as they are inspected to a BSIA Security Shredding Standard, which is being developed into a British Standard. There are also other issues to consider: Have staff been trained to be aware of their data protection responsibilities? Is data maintained and stored correctly? Have the company directors set out a policy that demonstrates their commitment to information security? All these issues and more are outlined in the guide, which provides food for thought for end-users."
You can download the ‘Guide to the Data Protection Act’.
Businesses must act to protect themselves from identity fraud, warns the British Security Industry Association in National Identity Fraud Prevention Week.
Simon Pearce, Chairman of the BSIA Information Destruction Section, says: "Too many businesses are falling victim to identity fraud. Identity fraud costs the UK £1.3 billion per year. Taking preventative measures to protect your business is key to minimising what could be significant losses. Confidential data in the form of directors’ signatures, financial information, and even company uniforms can provide criminals with the means to defraud your business. By disposing of such information using a professional information destruction company, businesses can rest assured that their confidential material will not fall into the wrong hands."
Visit www.bsia.co.uk/shredding
