Category Archives: Data Protection

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 Processors And Data Commissioner

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Data Protection Commissioner

Mobile Paper shredding throughout Ireland and the companies that provide confidential document destruction are governed by Data Protection laws and the Data Protection commissioner. This can be broken down into two parts.

Data Processors

Security in Shredding are registered Data Processors with the Data Protection Commissioners Office. So what is a Data Processor one may ask; a Data Processor is a company, organisation or person who processes data on behalf of a Data Controller. “This does not include employees who process data in the course of their employment.”

“Cloud providers are also generally Data Processors.”

“It is possible for one company or person to be both a data controller and a data processor, in respect of distinct sets of personal data. For example, a payroll company would be the data controller in respect of the data about its own staff, but would be the data processor in respect of the staff payroll data it is processing for its client companies.”

“A data processor is distinct from the data controller for whom they are processing the personal data. An employee of a data controller, or a section or unit within a company which is processing personal data for the company as a whole, is not a “data processor.” However, someone who is not employed by the data controller, but is contracted to provide a particular data processing service (such as a Security in Shredding providing and conducting a confidential secure data destruction service) would be a data processor.

Responsibilities of data processors

The Data Processor must only process personal data on the instructions of the Data Controller, for example, the Client (the Data Controller) schedules an on-site service delivery where by Security in Shredding (the Data Processor) arrives on-site to conduct on-site shredding of the clearly identified material for destruction. The responsibilities concern the necessity to keep personal data secure from unauthorised access, disclosure, or destruction unless confirmation is received prior to doing so.

“In addition all data processors, whose business consists wholly or partly in processing personal data on behalf of data controllers who are required to register, are also required to register with the Data Protection Commissioner as a data processor.”

For further information about Data Processors please click on any of the following website addresses;

www.securityinshredding.com

www.dataprotection.ie

www.aurthercox.com

Also available in the Limerick area and please visit:

www.securityinshredding.com/limerick-shredding-services.php

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/

6 Methods To Increase Security In the Office

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irish data breaches, Data Protection, Paper Shredding, Data Destruction

Security In Shredding provide industrial paper shredding and secure document shredding services throughout Limerick, Dublin, Galway, Cork and Waterford areas. We strive for proper and secure service and ensure data security for your business.

Security is paramount to a business and to a business that possesses client data. Any client data weather its sensitive or not must be protected by you. There are a number of ways for a person could breach a businesses security. Knowing these potential breaches and setting up preventative and deterrent methods throughout your business will benefit you and your business. If customers are aware that a businesses data protection is not secure will be harmful to for your business.

Below are a number of methods to help you improve your security for small businesses.

1.    Equipment needed for the size of the office

Choose the equipment based on the type of office you have. Is the space rented? then you may need to use a system that does not interfere with walls and structure. An open office space would require less equipment as it can monitor a greater area. Before choosing a security plan assess the area you are in before committing.

2.    Decide how many cameras you need

Deciding on the number of cameras should also be considered. Do you want to cover all the office or important areas such as supply or equipment rooms. If you are getting them installed professionally, get a consultation before installation.

3.    The type of camera needed

Cameras come in various shapes and sizes. Do you want a camera to rotate to cover a greater area. A disguised or concealed camera to better fit your space. A camera with night vision can also be used.

4.    Additional Sensors

Along with cameras you could also use motion sensors. These are often more discreet and harder to spot in a room. Magnetic sensors are also easy to conceal and a simple and effective security sensor. Consulting with a professional will give you the best process to adopt for your office space.

5.    Mobile Alert System

An alert system is important for the business and setting up the right alert system for the office. Take into account how busy the office is. Are there people in the office after hours needs to be considered to avoid alert spamming. Any reputable security system will have an alert system available on your mobile device.

6.    A Reputable Provider

Research various security installation firms. Find a plan that suits your companies needs and be aware of added costs. Enquire about scalable contracts if you choose to expand your office. Security firms must abide by standards and processes to be recognised as a security firm.

A reputable shredding service also provides added security for your business. Fore more information on a shredding service 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/

Why Use Security In Shredding Services

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Security in Shredding Logo. 2014.

Security in Shredding Industrial Shredding Service have completed this blog to provide its readers with some FYI information regarding Shredding Service Providers and difference between Security in Shredding and its competitors;

First High Security Shredder to Ireland

Security in Shredding were the first company to introduce a mounted high security double shredded into Ireland. The machine design is unique to the industry hence the reason for its extremely high throughout put capacity.

Security & Confidentiality

 

High level Security

In comparison to many competitors Security in Shredding has a 100% untarnished secure onsite and offsite shredding service provisions history – how many companies can proudly say that?

The provision of a professional, efficient shredding service to client’s is of utmost importance to Security in Shredding. Let the certified professionals securely destroy your data beyond reconstruction. Don’t take our competitors word as gospel when they state they comply to all relevant legislation.

Question our competitors;

  • What Shred Number are your services certified to?
  • Can you provide me with certification?

Why take the risk of using an uncertified shredding service provider when you can utilise a certified professional secure data destruction service provider and have total peace of mind that your important documents are destroyed beyond reconstruction. Security in Shredding have the certification to back the service; certified to up to Shred No.6 of the EN 15713 shredding standard.

Maintaining confidentiality is equally important if not more important to Security in Shredding as it is to its clients. All staff are Security Screened and in house trained when it comes to the importance of confidentiality. It is our business to help you protect yours by providing secure confidential professional certified shredding service. This includes office staff to the teams shredding your confidential documents.

Fast Efficient Service;

Due to the high throughout put capacity, Security in Shredding are at your location for a minimal amount of time. The high security shredding unit has a shredding capacity of 3000 lbs per hour. Ask your current shredding service provider what the throughout put capacity is the next time you order a service delivery and compare them to us.

Available nationwide

Regions;

Unlike many of its competitors, Security in Shredding are not confined to provide its professional shredding services to one county or province; thee are permitted to provide its shredding services nationwide, yes – nationwide across the island of Ireland.

 

Customer Satisfaction;

100% customer satisfaction is of paramount importance. Security in Shredding have numerous testimonials from a variety of clients to include both private and public organisations, SME’s etc. Security in Shredding go above and beyond to ensure the client is satisfied with its service provision.

If you are interested in using Security in Shredding for your service provider all you have to do is send an e-mail, website enquiry or simply pick up the phone and speak to a friendly member of our team.

5 Ways To Improve Your Data Security In The Office

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irish data breaches, Data Protection, Paper Shredding, Data Destruction

Shredding Confidential Paper Documents improves your data security with physical documents. Electronic devices contain data which also needs up to date security.

The equipment used in an office space needs to be set-up correctly and ensure that security measures are in place to prevent hackers from accessing personal data that your company may possess. With current data protection laws, the business owner is liable for any information or data breaches if they occur.

Any device that can send or receive data can be breached in capable hands. There are preventive methods that are easy to implement and a little know how on what to look out for will help protect your data securely.

  •        Multiple Unique Password

Passwords are arguably the biggest preventative method that prevent hackers from accessing your details. When using a wireless network throughout the office a secure password is vital to ensure that only trusted users have access to the wireless network. Try to avoid using default passwords given to you by your Internet Service provider (ISP). When creating a password a good practice is to create a alpha numeric password. The key to a secure password is its length. You can check how secure your password is by using this link Intel Password Strength Meter

Multiple passwords is also vital. having one “secure” password is not enough as if a hacker obtains it then they will have access to all accounts you posses.

  • Antivirus Protection

A reputable antivirus software (AVS) is a necessity for any electronic device. Which one to choose from will come down to the individual and what features they may require. A quick Google search of “Top antivirus software” will give you a good starting point on which one to choose.

Now that mobile devices are widely available, antivirus software for your mobile device is needed. Most of the major AVS will provide mobile protection also.

  • Other Devices

Along with desktop, laptop and mobile devices your printer is also connected to your network. It sends and receives data and has the potential to be breached. In today’s market printers and external devices have improved security. HP have a new printer that has security measures to improve data protection.

These type of devices can often be overlooked when considering what devices need protection in the office. HP Secure Managed Print Services

  • 2 Step Verification

This method involves setting up your mobile when logging into an account. Most major sites such as Facebook, Dropbox, Gmail etc will have two step verification. It works when a user logs into their account they enter a correct password and then will receive a sms sent to you with a short code to enter to continue the login.

This method ensures that you and only you are logging into your account. If you receive a code and did not request it then your password may have being obtained but data cannot be accessed until the sms code is entered. It is an added layer of security.

  • If Breach Occurs

If you feel a breach has occurred then ask people to change their passwords and contact admins of any suspicious or unfamiliar activity. Run a virus scan on all devices. Most security breaches are often down to human error and habit. With due diligence a data breach will be very unlikely and will be business as usual.

For more information please Email us: info@securityinshredding.com

The Importance of Customer Satisfaction to Security in Shredding

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Customer Service image

Shredding confidential paper or paper shredding services are provided to you by Security In Shredding. We provide excellent across Limerick, Cork, Galway, Dublin, Waterford and throughout Ireland.

It can be difficult for some companies to bring new customers on board and retain current customers but losing current customers can be done easily. There are a number of differences between Security in Shredding and many of its competitors when it comes to customer satisfaction;

Security in Shredding put their customers’ needs first. For continual business customer retention is vital. This is achieved by maintaining a very high level of customer satisfaction. How is this achieved, one is may ask? The answer is simple; give each of your customers’ first class treatment, work with the customers’ requirements as best as is reasonably possible and if you are unable to provide the service the customers’ requires then suggest an alternative company whom has the ability to provide the service required.

If a client no longer uses the services provided by Security in Shredding and this is identified, a customer care call is made to that client to identify if there is or was an issue with previous service deliveries and to find the reason for their discontinuity. Security in Shredding helps the client to realise that they are a valued customer and Security in Shredding focus on their resolving their concerns and appreciate them for their previous business.

As Security in Shredding are EN 15713 certified service providers, hold a valid up-to-date ISO 9001:2008 Certification and Security Screen all its personnel; Security in Shredding has the ability and capability to provide both onsite and offsite data destruction services across the whole of Ireland on a professional and confidential level that exceeds its competitors.

Security in Shredding provides a highly secure, professional, confidential shredding service for Munster, Leinster and Connaught regions. It has an untarnished record to date and an extremely high customer satisfaction rate with much of its work being acquired from 87% of its customers. Numerous testimonials can be provided upon request.

If you wish to become avail of the secure, confidential, professional shredding services, pick up the phone or send an email to a member of Security in Shredding’s friendly customer care team.