If you are one of over 500,000 companies that reportedly start up every month, it is vital that information security is part of your business plan.
It is the unfortunate truth that start-ups are quickly becoming popular targets for cyber criminals. The reason behind this is that smaller businesses tend to have fewer security features in place, which is ideal for cyber criminals as it makes getting information easier, quicker and less risky to access data.
According to the 2017 Cost of Data Breach Study, when sensitive and confidential information was lost or stolen, the average cost to the company was €3 million, which is down 10 per cent over previous years, but still exceptionally high. This kind of disaster is not good for any company but in particular a new business, which is still establishing its customer base and reputation.
So, what are the best steps a start-up can take to prevent a disaster like this, you ask?
Allow us to explain:
1. Understand your responsibilities
Make sure to research the privacy laws and legislations that are relevant to your particular business. You are legally responsible for data security, which means you are in charge of properly securing and disposing of private and sensitive information, such as customer information, employee files, financial data, etc.
2. Design and implement a security policy
Outline how private information is identified and protected inside and out of the workplace with guidelines for your staff. More often than not, employees will unintentionally store sensitive data on their laptops, phones and tablets.
3. Introduce document procedures
You should only be collecting and retaining the information that your business absolutely needs. You should also implement a system that keeps an inventory of everything you have disposed of, with accurate dates. This system can and should be used for both paper and electronic files.
4. IT Protection
Your company should always strive to have the latest and best technology safeguards for prevention, detection and encryption.
5. Educate your employees
Knowledge is power, and this is why you should provide regular training for your employees to keep them up to date with the best and latest security practices.
6. Secure document destruction
Best practice now says that document destruction is safest when carried out in the office and under the control and eye of someone in a position of authority. Paper can’t get lost, files are shredded to the right crosscut or particle size, thereby reducing risk to the company in question.
Need a Consultation?
If you’re unsure which model and security setting to choose, please give us a call and we’d be happy to consult with you to ensure that you get the right solution for your business. We’re in the business of partnering with our clients, so they get the best results and can concentrate on doing their business.
How To Find Us
You can reach us at sales@safesandshredders.ie and our landline is 01 4097034. You can also follow us on Twitter: @safes_Shredders, Facebook: Safes and Shredders Ireland.
