Return to "Press Releases"

Small Businesses At Risk for Workplace Data Breaches

Fellowes, Inc. and the Identity Theft Resource Center Share Security Practices to Help Minimize Risk

Itasca, Ill. (May 4, 2009) -- Running a successful small business can be a time-intensive job. And while driving revenue and efficiently managing employees are often regarded as the keys to success, it’s vitally important to ensure proper security measures are in place to help prevent data breaches, a crime that on average costs businesses more than $6 million per incident.

In recognition of National Small Business Month, Fellowes Inc, the leading shredder manufacturer, and the non-profit Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC), are partnering together to educate small businesses about the dangers of data breaches and the importance of best business practices.
According to a recent study*, commissioned by Fellowes and the Alliance for Secure Business Information (ASBI), a group of business security leaders, 80 percent of respondents indicated their company had experienced one or more data breaches in the past twelve months alone. In addition, 49 percent of respondents whose companies have been affected by this crime stated one or more of the breaches involved the loss or theft of paper documents.

“No matter what size an organization is, all businesses must frequently review their security practices and take proactive measures to ensure that their confidential information is protected,” said Jay Foley, executive director of the Identity Theft Resource Center. “Data breaches can be harmful to any business, especially companies that do not have the resources to recover. Proper management of confidential information is critical to ensuring best business practices.”

A first step toward safeguarding company data is to shred all confidential documents after use. While some small businesses may utilize off-site shredding services to destroy information, on-site shredding offers convenience and a greater sense of security in knowing the information is properly destroyed. Small businesses should look for a shredder, like Fellowes SB-99Ci, that has cross-cut capabilities, ensuring confidential information is destroyed into unidentifiable pieces. These shredders should be conveniently placed and readily accessible to all employees.

The SB-99Ci includes 100 percent Jam Proof technology that calculates the amount of paper being fed into the machine and stops a paper jam before it occurs. The shredder also detects when paper has been mis-fed or fast-fed into the shredder by turbo-powering through the job or reversing the paper out for easy removal.

“It’s important for small businesses to know and fully understand the proper steps and procedures for preventing a data breach,” said Nancy Heaton, senior global marketing manager for Fellowes. “I encourage all small businesses to educate themselves about this crime and take the appropriate steps to help protect their proprietary information.”

Fellowes and the ITRC recommend all small businesses implement the following security measures to help further minimize their risk:

• Develop office guidelines for employees that outline procedures for protecting sensitive information.
• Keep all sensitive information and files locked away, restricting access to only those who need it.
• Ensure all company computers have the most up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. Check to make sure wireless networks are protected with the proper security settings.
• Limit the use of social security numbers in the workplace, especially on items such as employee identification badges, time cards or paychecks.
• Conduct background checks on all potential employees. It is not uncommon for confidential information to be stolen from within.
• Avoid leaving documents in communal copiers, shared printing spaces, conference rooms or other open areas for extended periods of time.
• At the end of each work day, all employees should log off their computers and lock their workstations or office doors. All confidential documents should be filed away rather than left at one’s desk.