Records: Firms urged to ensure security is adequate
The following article was published in the Birmingham Post, November 2007. The text has been edited for use on this website.
Warning on Data Theft
Midland companies have been urged to put adequate data control measures in place in the wake of the child benefit fiasco.
After personal details on millions of UK child benefit recipients went missing from the HM Revenue & Customs department last week, fears of identity theft have soared.
With the rising issue of data theft again hitting the spotlight, Birmingham based service and support provider Icomm is advising SMEs across the region to learn from the mistakes of the Government officials.
Icomm’s Ian Callens said: “This should serve as a timely reminder to our business community that the threat of ID fraud and other forms of data theft is a very tangible one.
Ian Callens, Icomm Sales Manager
Bosses and employees alike must do all they can to ensure sensitive data stays in safe hands.
“ID fraud and the damage it can do to a business, both in terms of cost and reputation, particularly a SME, can be colossal. Deploying some fundamental internal procedures can certainly help.”
Mr Callens advised businesses to avoid simple passwords, not to leave password information near computers and ensure every computer has a virus killer and firewall.
He added: “Do not respond to e-mails asking for details or passwords, even if it looks like it is from the bank - it probably is not. Do not send identifiable confidential data via standard e-mail as it is not 100 per cent secure.
“Do not download e-mail attachments unless it is something business-related that you are specifically expecting.”
If you require any more information on security issues please contact our Sales Team on 0121 248 7931.
2007.12.06 (AH)
