Security gaffes, such as assistant commissioner Bob Quick’s counter terrorism leak, has highlighted the need to securely store confidential data, says a shredding firm.
Bob Quick, Britain’s most senior counter-terrorism officer on April 9 stepped down after being photographed at Downing Street carrying ‘secret’ documents that led to an anti-terrorism operation being brought forward. Twelve men are now being questioned about their involvement in potential terrorism cells after raids across the North West.
Jim Watson, managing director of Shred Easy, a UK confidential data destruction companies, said: “This is a prime example of what happens if highly confidential data isn’t stored properly. The consequences of failing to securely store such material can have far reaching effects. If Bob Quick had been more security conscious then the counter terrorism operation would have would have run as planned and he’d have kept his job.”
Shred Easy has complied ten tips for to prevent security leaks:
1) Create a confidential data policy – if you don’t have one already you are already in the high risk category for being a victim of data theft.
2) Store data safely – don’t assume that bagging it up is the end of the matter. Criminals have rich pickings outside premises where confidential data has been poorly disposed.
3) Destroy data properly – shred all confidential data. Arrange for a professional company to help store, collect and securely destroy information. Ensure you know where your data is heading, even better work with an on-site shredding company.
4) Check identities – use credit reference agencies to verify the identity of preferred suppliers to your organisation.
5) Secure your accounts – don’t allow details of banking to escape into the public domain. Thieves are well adept at impersonating signatures.
6) Inform staff – train staff on how to deal with confidential data properly and monitor their behaviour. Most public sector fraud is committed by people within the organisation.
7) Keep post safe – theft of post is a major issue for local authorities. Scammers may try to redirect your mail without your knowledge.
8) Restrict key documents – don’t allow staff to have full access to authority documents. This applies to paper and digital data.
9) Use anti virus software – public sector workers still get fleeced by online scammers. Installing credible anti-virus software is necessary to combat this threat.
10) Beware of carrying large amounts of confidential data on laptops, data sticks or mobile devices such as Blackberry’s and iPhones. These small portable gadgets are magnets for thieves who can exploit your confidential information.
Shred Easy collects, destroys and recycles materials including paper and IT equipment such as hard drives and memory sticks. The company also offers secure onsite destruction.
