Category Archives: Data Destruction

American college (TCC) affected by data breach

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Security in Shredding Data protection & destruction

Onsite paper destruction and or offsite paper destruction are services provided with shredding companies in Ireland. “Shredding Paper Ireland” will provide you with a decent result when researching for an industrial paper shredding service.

In a recent story involving an American college in Virginia were subject to a data breach involving staff and their names and social security details. 15 of the college employees who had submitted their tax returns to the IRS (American version of Revenue Office) were later told that their tax had already being done using their social security number.

Approximately 3192 employees in the Virginia college system may have being effected by the breach. It appears the details of the leaked data containing the names and social security numbers may have being sent to a fake account from the college.

While this happened in America the method as to how it happened remains the same. A false account was created to look like an official college page. The page will have asked the user to enter in or provide specific data. These scams will prey on human error or uneducated person to transfer this data.

How to protect yourself from these attacks

If you feel your business has being subject to one of these attacks here are a number of things to look out for. If you use a regular paid service whatever the format, these services will have your name on record and will be able to display it on emails and documents.

  • “Dear Customer” can be an indication of something off. A reputable service will easily be able to display your name here instead of customer.
  • Asking you to click a link from the email itself rather than going through the official website of the service provider to pay for services.
  • Do not click on links you are uncertain of going through the service provider site itself is a good practice.
  • Asking for specific details is also a sign of malicious intent. Reputable sites do not ask for this information as information such as passwords are NOT known by the service provider as these are encrypted and only known by you.

What To Do If Breach Occurs

  • Alert the service provider that a breach has occurred
  • Alert relevant authorities such as banks, revenue office so they know to monitor irregular transactions.
  • Inform employees to change passwords to the relevant accounts
  • Inform customers that may have had their data accessed
  • Sooner the better you alert the authorities the quicker and less damaging the data breach will be

The full article involving the TTC can be read here:

https://www.13newsnow.com/news/local/mycity/virginia-beach/tcc-100-employees-affected-by-data-breach/110309810

For more information on data security please
 visit:

https://www.securityinshredding.com/shredding-benefits.php

The Future Of Data Security

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Secure Paper Shredding Hard Drive Shredding WEEE Destruction

Document shredding service are a vital part of Data Protection. Shredding services in Ireland when a clear out shredding is needed. Offsite shredding services can be incorporated into everyday business to comply with Data Protection laws and improving Data Security.

Siliconrepublic an Irish based article site recently posted an interesting article regarding the future of Data security. Data Security is now more than ever vital for businesses to succeed. Technology has continuously improved and grown over the past number of years. The devices used has greatly helped smaller businesses compete with larger companies. With all this growth in technology aspects of the technology have being lost or information about it has become confusing and conflicting.

Data Security with technology will always be a continuous process. Between encryption, mobile devices and cyber warfare means that there will be no end to this process. Security experts can only protect against known breaches. Hackers have a small window of opportunity to work with.

Data Security Small Business

What does this mean for your business. For one, hiring a confidential shredding service that is also reputable and recognised by governing bodies. A shredding service must comply with Data Protection laws. A shredding service implemented within your business will ensure that you are protecting your data and improving data security.

Data Security is more than just electronic devices and digital data. Paper also contains data. Sensitive data in particular must be accessed and handled correctly. Who has access to this data and how this data is destroyed when no longer in use. A shredding service will handle these documents and devices and destroy them in a confidential and secure manor. ISO 9001:2008 is a good mark to look out for before hiring a shredding service for your business.

This type of data is what hackers and criminals try to achieve and will prey on human error to obtain this data. Dumpster diving will occur and if your documents are not shredded or only used a simple office shredder will not securely destroy data. Digital data can be accessed easily if the data is not encrypted or has not being wiped correctly. USB keys should be kept securely in your possession if they contain data. When shredding ask for the DIN level of shredding required to ensure secure data destruction.

Awareness to these methods is paramount to the success of your business and Data Security. If a data breach occurs then your business can be liable and receive a hefy penalty.

Read the full article here:

https://www.siliconrepublic.com/enterprise/2016/03/24/cybersecurity-future-of-security-hackers

Details for a confdential shredding service please visit:

https://www.securityinshredding.com/

Data Destruction What Is It?

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harddrive destruction, Media Destruction, Confidential Shredding Service

Off site document destruction and or onsite document destruction can be implemented for a purge clear out in business. Secure document shredding services in the Dublin area and throughout the country are necessary to comply with Data Protection laws.

Data destruction is the process of destroying data stored on tapes, hard disks and other forms of electronic media so that it is completely unreadable and cannot be accessed or used for unauthorized purposes. A good data destruction process in your company or business will ensure you are complying with data protection laws. Protecting sensitive data is paramount for a business and if data breaches occur a business or company will receive a hefty penalty if a breach occurs.

On Site Media Destruction Service

Incorporating a on site media destruction service to your daily business will benefit both you and your customers. In today’s market any form of a data leak or breach is a make or break for business and in particular for e-commerce businesses. A reputable confidential shredding service should be sought when the service is needed.

There are a number of reasons for getting your media and a good shredding service will be able to provide most of the following:

 

  • Hard Drive Shredding – Large Quantities

  • Data Erasure

  • Hard Drive Degaussing

  • Hard Drive Crushing

  • Hard Drive Shredding

  • Lockable Bins for Hard Drive Storage

  • Tape Destruction

  • Remote Employee Services

Off Site Media Destruction

Services needed do not always require an on site destruction. Medium to large businesses can avail of off site destruction service where bulk destruction can take place. A good and reputable shredding service would be able to accommodate this.

Knowing weather to go for a on site or off site service will come down to the business owner or manager and enquiring with the shredding service as to which option is recommended and most shredding services will offer free consultation.

Data Destruction Shredding Process

The shredding process of hard drives will occur in a secure environment and is destroyed beyond reconstruction to ensure its security Below is a video description of the shredding process.

 

For more information on Data Destruction and Data Protection or have any enquires about a confidential shredding service please visit:

https://www.securityinshredding.com/

 

Data Protection Ireland Today

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Data proccesser and data commissioner

Secure document destruction in Ireland can come in the form of an onsite paper shredding service or an off site paper shredding service. Data comes in many forms and The Data protection Act is in place to ensure that this data is protected.

Data Protection is a vital for a business to succeed and remain in business. If customers or users know that your service does not protect your data. It will be a massive loss to business and business reputation. Your business can suffer from a severe penalty for not protecting your data.

An interesting article written by Colm Gorey titled “3 issues defining data protection in Ireland today”   The issues discussed are relevant to today’s business. The 3 topics discussed were:

  1. ISO 27018: Cloud computing privacy standard – one year on

  2. Personal data and your right to access it — Ireland vs the UK

  3. Challenges to data protection under the internet of things

The first point talks about the governing of personal data through cloud based systems. Standards have being created to ensure the protection of data and were received well by Data Security experts. The ISO 27018 standard can be read here. Cloud computing has become a major asset to business functionality and knowing what cloud based systems are doing with your data should be investigated and researched when changes if any occur.

The second point refers to Irish and English law. Although both countries have similarities the law for each country does vary and in particular with personal data and access to it. Your business must abide by the rules in place of the country it is based in. A good example of how country laws differ can be read at this link.

Awards of Damages for Data Protection Breaches – UK and Irish Approaches Contrasted

Thirdly the internet of things (IOT) refers to the general use of internet and internet services. Governments and official bodies are trying to develop ideas or frameworks that will regulate the internet of things. What has happened is the EU 28 data protection bodies.

for more information on data protection and a confidential shredding service please visit: https://www.securityinshredding.com/

 

 

Data Protection A Human Right

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Amnesty International Data Protection a Human Right

Confidential document destruction services are vital part of business data protection. paper shredders / shredding services in Ireland have governing bodies in place to enforce and ensure people are complying with Data Protections laws.

“Encryption is a basic prerequisite for privacy and free speech in the digital age. Banning encryption is like banning envelopes and curtains. It takes away a basic tool for keeping your private life private,” said Sherif Elsayed-Ali, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Global Issues.

It can be hard to comprehend the benefit of encryption when using a device. What happens in the background on devices and applications can even confuse even the most informed individual. The above statement from Elsayed does put it into perspective. With a major organisation such a Amnesty international in support for data protection, ensuring your business protects its data needs to be paramount.

The Data Protection Act is an EU standard that ensures that the access and movement of personal data is protected accordingly. These standards are in place to protect your personal information. Online usage has grown and is still growing. Access to online services and devices to use it are widely available in particular mobile devices are now becoming the no.1 method of transactions for e-commerce sites.

Using these sites or services requires and stores personal data and this data is sensitive and businesses must ensure that this data is protected. If a business does not secure its data it can be ruin a companies reputation and not to mention the penalties for a data breach from unsecured data.

There are many ways to store and display data. Weather it is electronically or paper, if it contains sensitive data it needs to be stored and destroyed securely. A document destruction service should be sought when destroying documents. A simple office shredder will not securely destroy your documents.

Media devices such as hard drives if being replaced or recycled should be destroyed if they contain sensitive data. Wiping the drive or formatting the drive does not remove the data entirely and can be retrieved.

A Din 66399 Standard is a standard set for paper shredding. This standard ensures the highest security when shredding documents and devices. When hiring a reputable shredding service this standard should be sought after.

For more information on a confidential shredding service please visit:  https://www.securityinshredding.com/

Read Amnesty International full report here:

https://www.amnestyusa.org/research/reports/encryption-a-matter-of-human-rights

Dangers Of Data Breaches For Small Businesses

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Heartbleed Data Theft

Secure document shredding in Dublin and throughout the country are services needed to ensure your business is complying with Data Protection laws. These laws are in place to ensure businesses that possess sensitive data are protecting against vulnerabilities both physically and digitally.

Cyber criminals will target small businesses. In the UK the minister for the digital economy Ed Vaizey outlined (2015) that a major security breach for a small business in the UK could cost as much as £310,800. This figure also applies to Irish businesses and any small business in operation.

Dataprotection.ie have detailed descriptions on how to protect your business and improve its security. The site has guidelines to improve your business security. Researching online can be difficult because you will read conflicting reports and incorrect information. The data protection site provides you with useful and up to date information from a governing body to help improve your business security and data protection.

On the site is a guideline to improve your data security. It covers the law to software and IT support to use. With a little bit of know how and awareness to possible threats will benefit you and your business greatly.

There are 19 steps in total on the guideline page which can be read in full at data security guideline page, below are a steps from said list.

1. Install an Anti Virus Software

It is a necessity for any electronic device that transfers data. Anti Virus software protects more than just your computer, it also protects your emails and personal details when online. Malware is a big threat to computers and using a reputable ant virus will benefit.

Remember to update the anti virus software regularly as anti virus software can only protect against known viruses.

2. Firewalls

Firewalls are a essential form of protection where there is external connection. Always on internet is now a common practice for businesses. This makes a properly configured firewall a good form of security.

3. Wireless networks

When using a wireless network in your own business network make sure that proper encryption is setup on the wireless network. Be aware when using public networks such hotels and airports can potentially a risk. Use it if necessary and if you are transferring personal data make sure to be in a secure session on the device.

4. Human Factor

Is often over looked and is often used to breach a business. For example cyber criminals have accessed user accounts by using passwords such as “123456” and or “password.” Sounds crazy but happens more often than you would think. Use a more cryptic password. What the password contains will help its strength but the more characters used the greater the strength.

Also be aware of printed documents that may contain sensitive data and if not disposed properly can be accessed. Having a reputable Shredding Service dispose of your documents securely and safely.

For more information on a secure shredding visit: https://www.securityinshredding.com/  for more information.

 

Data Protection And Data Encryption

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secure data

Industrial paper shredding of private documents should be destroyed by a secure paper shredding service. Shredding paper is among one method of Data Protection.

In light of the recent event involving the F.B.I and Apple involving Apple’s security feature on the iPhone 6’s data encryption and fail-safes. With the iPhone once a passcode is entered incorrectly 10 times, the phone is then locked and the data cannot be retrieved by anyone other than the owner. Apple do not have access to the user’s phone. Any current mobile or electronic device will have encryption available.

Now more than ever companies and organisations need to be aware of the devices they use and what security and encryption they are using. Encryption protects your data on devices. It essentially scrambles data from anyone trying to access the data. A password or code is usually the only way to view the data.

It is worth knowing what encryption if any do software programmes use. Unencrypted data can be accessed by people with a little bit of know how. Data Protection is vital part of business as data breaches will have a hefty penalty if a breach occurs they occur.

Any media device your organisation uses, that is being replaced should be destroyed by a shredding service. WEEE Ireland is a recycling service for electronic devices and batteries. All digital data stored on a device should be destroyed if the device is no longer in use. A reputable shredding service will destroy these devices in the correct manner.

Information on WEEE Recycling https://www.weeeireland.ie/

Simple things to remember when using electronic devices can massively improve on your security. These methods are often overlooked and hackers and criminals will prey on these oversights as the vast majority of electronic breaches can be broken down to human error. The following methods can improve your data security:

  1. Passcode on your mobile and electronic device
  2. Ensure that software used has encryption on data
  3. Use various passcodes on your devices to ensure security
  4. Destroy your devices when no longer needed

For more information on media destruction visit https://www.securityinshredding.com/

For information on device destruction visit https://www.securityinshredding.com/it-media-destruction.php

Choosing A Shredding Service Dublin Area

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Importance of Paper Shredding for Dublin

Secure document shredding services are available throughout Dublin and greater Dublin area. Onsite paper shredding services in Dublin are available to benefit you and ensure your documents are securely dealt with.

Data protection and Data destruction methods are now mandatory for all businesses. The Data Protection Act requires you to have these methods in place or you could be liable for any data breaches if they occur. Sensitive or personal data that is not secured is often the cause of identity theft. It can easily be done if documents are not securely destroyed.

Before choosing a shredding service, it is worth researching the shredding service before using them.

What to look for when choosing a shredding service:

A Compliant Secure Shredding Service

Ensuring that the shredding service is both professional and secure in its business document destruction. The Din 66399 and EN 15713 standard should be sought when choosing your shredding service. This is a European standard and shredding companies must comply by these standards.

What to Shred

If your business uses and or posses a person’s information, then a shredding service is required and should be implemented by all organisations.

The link details the kind of information that needs to be shredded.

What To Shred

On Site Document Destruction Service.

A reputable shredding service will be able to call out to your premises regardless of location. The on site call out can save you and your organisation on time and effort and the document destruction can also be supervised by a member of staff to ensure documents are being destroyed in a professional manner.

Shredding Volumes

It is also worth researching the volumes of paper a shredding company can handle for your business. Your business or organisation may have a large quantity of documents with your own and other sensitive information that you don’t want accessible to people outside of the company.

References

Enquiring with other companies that use a shredding service in their business is worth looking into. It is important to know how the shredding service works and if it will apply to your own organisation. if the shredding company has satisfied customers is worth researching before committing to the service.

For more information on secure document and bulk paper shredding please visit:

https://www.securityinshredding.com/

Hard Drive Destruction Method

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Data Destruction

Among having an onsite paper destruction method for your business. Confidential document destruction also comes in the form of media destruction with digital devices.

Hard Drive Destruction Method

Digital data is now more than ever the quickest and largest way to store data. A reputable shredding service with a hard drive destruction service is recommended for and and all businesses. A physical destruction of the hard drive ensures completely that the data stored on the drive is destroyed and cannot be retrieved again.

Data Storage

Formatting or wiping a hard drive does not ensure that the data contained on the drive is deleted. Formatting a drive allows the current data already on the drive to be over written. The data is technically not deleted which in turn can make the drive vulnerable to data breaches. With a little work all the data on the drive after formatting can still be obtained.

Destruction Method

Below is an example of how hard drives are destroyed in a secure environment.

To be aware if your purchasing hard drives especially if they are second hand. It can be difficult to know previous owners habit and if they have installed back door capabilities. The chances of this are very unlikely to happen.

New > Used

With current market trends new hard drives are quite affordable. A new hard drive will provide an added layer of security for your business. If your business stores personal or sensitive data there is a possibility a second hand drive could contain hidden software and be used to retrieve this data causing a data breach.

Hard drive Destruction Services

Security In Shredding provides a secure hard drive destruction service. In today’s technologically advanced business environment it is imperative that Data Security is the primary concern of IT Departments when selecting and IT Asset Destruction & Recycling Partner.

Simple step or protocols when purchasing and destroying hard drives will ensure that your business is complying with Data Protection laws.

For more information about hard drive destruction please visit SecurityInShredding media destruction page: https://www.securityinshredding.com/it-media-destruction.php

 

Secure Paper Data Just As Important As Secure Digital Data

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confidential shredding

Secure Document Shredding is integral for businesses to succeed. Confidential shredding services are widely available in the Limerick, Dublin, Galway, Cork and Waterford areas across Ireland.

Protecting paper data just as important as protecting digital data

With a lot of emphasis on digital records and cyber security, we must remember not to forget that paper continues to be a major course of breaches in many organisations.

There are many breaches that don’t catch the news headlines but when investigations are conducted within the organisations it is discovered that the vast majority of data breaches occur from the mishandling and improper disposal of paper data in offices by staff.

How do you reduce & eliminate paper Data Breaches you may ask?

The answer is simple;

  • Limit the authorisation of personnel to restricted files
  • Store all restricted files in one central location
  • Install company policies and ensure compliance
  • Manage all out of date files securely and confidentially
  • Source a secure, professional, certified Data Destruction Service Provider
  • Conduct in house audits for non-compliance of Data Management Policies
  • Seek advice from a professional certified and recommended Data Destruction Service Provider

Security In Shredding has over 30+ years experience in the provision of specialist services. With this knowledge we ensure that all staff abide by these standards. It is imperative now more than ever that companies use a proper shredding service in Ireland. Companies that hold sensitive data can be held liable if data breaches occur without proper security measures in place.

Small office shredders do not offer the same data protection as our shredding units. In fact Security in Shredding in 2010 developed and introduced the first of its kind in the world, high volume confidential paper shredder that meet Shred No. 6 of EN 15713.

It is easy to maintain data security with a little bit of know how and using a reputable shredding service will ensure that your business details are maintained and destroyed securely.

If you require any information regarding reducing and eliminating the risk of a data breach in your organisation contact us or visit our site https://www.securityinshredding.com/