10 Habits That Threaten Your Firms Data Security
October 4, 2016 11:51 AM
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Why you're part of the problem
Just as it takes two to tango, it takes two to create a data breach: a determined hacker and a careless employee and unfortunately, all too many of us are careless in our data security habits.
Benoy Tamang, CEO of document management provider eFileCabinet Inc. (www.efilecabinet.com) shared 10 of the most common bad habits common practices that accounting firms, with the wealth of valuable client data theyre responsible for, can ill afford.
(A text version of this slideshow is availablehere .)
Benoy Tamang, CEO of document management provider eFileCabinet Inc. (www.efilecabinet.com) shared 10 of the most common bad habits common practices that accounting firms, with the wealth of valuable client data theyre responsible for, can ill afford.
(A text version of this slideshow is available
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1. Sharing passwords
It may not seem like a big deal to share your password with a coworker that youre close to, but even if that person is completely trustworthy, someone else may overhear you. You should always keep your passwords completely confidential.
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2. Using identical passwords
While its definitely easier to remember one password for all of your accounts, using an identical password makes it easier to hack every account you have. If you need to, get a password app to keep all your passwords safe, and use a different one for every one of your accounts.
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3. Using unsecure Internet Connections
Getting work done at the airport or while youre sitting at your local Starbucks may seem like a good idea at first, but if you have confidential information on your device, it is a serious data security risk. Public Internet connections make your information accessible to anyone who has the know-how to access it.
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4. Not purging files
Some documents that contain sensitive information eventually become obsolete or outdated. When this occurs, its important that you purge the files from your system. The longer these documents are on your computer, the more likely it becomes that theyll be compromised.
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5. Using unencrypted USB drives
Its quick and easy to grab a USB drive and save some files to it before you leave the office. But its important that you ensure that the drive youre using is encrypted. If you were to lose an unencrypted drive, anyone who found it could access the information you stored.
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6. Leaving computers unattended
When it comes to confidential data, you shouldnt leave your computer unattended for even a moment. It only takes a few seconds for someone to grab your laptop and run, or to copy some information off of your screen. Always keep your laptop within easy reach when in a public area.
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7. Not reporting lost equipment
When you lose a work-related device whether its a laptop or a USB drive you may be tempted to keep it quiet to avoid any repercussions. (Or you may just think its not that big of a deal.) Its important that you report any lost devices so that your firm can take measures to protect the data that was contained on those devices.
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8. Not using privacy screens
Whether youre at work or working remotely, its important that you use privacy screens when working on confidential documents. Any time you step away from your computer, lock it with a privacy screen so that passersby cant see the information you are working on.
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9. Using personal mobile devices
Its common practice these days to connect your mobile device to the wireless network at work. But if that connection can access private information, it should only be accessed with secure devices. Your smartphone does not have the security necessary to protect your firms and your clients data and maintain compliance.
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10. Carrying unnecessary info when traveling
When youre traveling for business, its essential that you have access to the files and information that you need. However, you should never have more files than are absolutely necessary for your trip. If your laptop becomes lost or is compromised in some other way, every file on the computer is now at risk; the fewer files stored on the computer, the better.
