Don't get robbed - security tips for your business

Beat the Cyber Crime Wave

Identity theft now affects 1 in 4 adults and costs the UK £1.3bn per year according to Which? magazine so we simply can't afford to ignore this very 21st century crime any longer. The consumer and business credit intelligence provider, Equifax, say that a victim of identity theft can take up to 300 hours to clear their name following the attack so the financial and time implications are clear.

By following the suggestions below you can ensure you don't become the next victim of identity theft.

Protecting Information

Whether it's your personal data or sensitive company information, when it needs to be destroyed it is essential to use a cross-cut shredder. Before emptying the shredder waste bin, give the contents a really good mix to reduce the opportunities of sensitive information being reconstructed or better still, divide the contents and dispose in separate locations.

Don't use the same password or pin code for all your accounts and online purchases and check your statements regularly.

End of the working day

At the end of your working day always check over your workspace in the same order and develop a lock-up routine. Make sure your documents are locked away in filing cabinets and drawers. Make sure you have properly logged off from your computer. Switch off the printer. Ensure the windows are closed and locked, draw or lower the blinds. Make sure the waste bin does not have any sensitive information in it. When you've done this and are ready to go home just take a few seconds to visually check that you have left your workspace secure.

Home Security

Crime in the UK is generally on the decrease according to Government statistics but it's worth having a quick glance at the crime picture for your area so you are aware of any local issues and can guard specifically against them. See links below for Thames Valley and Metropolitan policing areas or see www.homeoffice.gov.uk for wider reaching statistics.

It is also a worthwhile exercise to walk round the outside of your home during both the day and in the evening when it's dark, and see what is visible to would-be intruders. Make sure your house keys are stored out of site. Never leave your car keys in the hallway. If someone outside can see your keys through the letterbox then you are at risk of losing your car and being burgled too if you keep your house keys with your car keys.

Charity Advertising Con

Businesses need to be aware of "sales people" ringing up your business asking you to advertise in their "Emergency Services Children's Charity brochure" or the "Oxford Police Children's Fund" or other similar sounding charities. This is high pressure telesales and they have probably been on your website to learn a bit about your business, perhaps even the MD's name. The con is that the advert (normally a quarter of a page) is produced in a badly photocopied leaflet and your business is invoiced for circa £475. These charities do not exist and you are advised to make all of your staff aware that they should not commit to an advert. The easiest way out of the conversation is to simply say that "it is not your Company's policy to advertise in this way" and then hang up.

These security tips are provided as a result of real life experiences and by employing best practice. Bespoke security advice is available by contacting Kennet Security Consulting on 01793 436950.