How to Avoid Identity Theft in Your Business
Ron McBride | Feb 16, 2010 | Comments 1
Identity theft has the potential to cost businesses significant time and money, so it’s important to take steps to avoid becoming a victim.
Increase your office security – ensure that your building has strong locks and security systems to deter someone from getting into to your office in order to gain access to your records and financial details. Always make sure that any sensitive details are kept in a place where they cannot be accessed by unauthorized individuals, such as in a safe.
Destroy any sensitive documents – never throw out any documents that may contain financial details, such as bank statements or invoices, without shredding them. This includes documents with your name and address on them, too, as these can also be used for fraudulent purposes.
Monitor and restrict computer access – ensure that your servers and intranet are protected from potential external attacks. It’s also a good idea to set up particular levels of computer access so that only staff members who need to have access to particular information can access it. If a staff member leaves the organization, ensure that their computer privileges are suspended immediately.
Always be vigilant when it comes to giving away personal or financial information, and always question why you’re being asked to provide this information. Being cautious about giving up potentially sensitive information can help protect against identify theft.
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About the Author: Ron McBride is a security expert on matters including business and home security crime, workplace violence, security operations, prevention of terrorist and criminal acts.
Great post! Thanks for the advice, securing our financial documents should be a top priority for all small business owners.