Category Archives: Digital Data

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

Paper Shredding Dublin (Data Processing Service)

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Data Destruction (Dublin Area)

Shredding documents In Dublin as part of industrial paper shredding method for your business is now must be implemented under the data protection act.

All businesses are and if not they should be aware of their responsibility to segregate and dispose of their general waste and recycling. These rules have been established under the Irish Waste Management Act 2001 which can be viewed at; https://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Waste/WasteMgmtActs/.

Within this Act it is essential for all Organisations to use a waste processing firm that is reputable and has the required certifications from their relevant County Council and in turn the client has full traceability of their waste materials.

When dealing with sensitive paper data that has reached its end of life hiring any Dublin paper shredding service may not be sufficient and may not achieve full compliance. Cost should never be the determining factor when hiring a Dublin document shredding service, the cheapest may not achieve compliance and it is compliance that is required by Organisations to achieve in order to protect their data and their public image.

As detailed above waste recyclers are also known as material processors, similarly companies that offer data destruction services are not only waste processors but they are Data Processors. It is this title of “Data Processor” that drastically differentiates a recycling firm from a Data Processing Firm. It is The Data Protection Acts that recognise Data Processors and Data Controllers and if a data breach occurred and it was found that for example the Dublin paper shredding firm was not a data processing firm they may argue that the Data Protection Acts do not apply to them as they were simply processing material not data. It is important for all Organisation to be aware of this point as they may be receiving a Dublin materials shredding service at a more attractive cost however, they are not receiving a fully compliance and data protecting service. The following applies to many industries and services; “The cheapest is not always the best”.

 

Questions to ensure that your Dublin Paper shredding vendor is a Data Processor;

  • Is your Organisation a member of an Industry Representation Body in Ireland?

Required Ans;  Yes

 

  • Does your Dublin Document Shredding Company process various recyclable material on the same site as the paper shredding?

Required Ans;  No

 

  • Does your Dublin Paper Shredding Company ship various material to the recycling market other than data carrying materials (e.g. Cardboard, plastics)?

Required Ans;  No

 

  • Is your Company Certified from an Independent Body in Ireland for European Security Standard EN 15713 and not “Self-Certified”?

Required Ans;  Yes, we are certified by an independent body in Ireland.

 

  • Is your Dublin Paper Shredding Company listed on The Data Protection Commissioner’s Public Register of Data Processors? Can you give me your reference No.?

Required Ans;  Yes, we are and you can see us on the list if you visit www.dataprotection.ie  

 

  • Do you use Data Processing Agreements?

Required Ans;  Yes

Twitter Data Security & Data Protection

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Secure Harddrive Destruction, Twitter calling for increased Data Protection

Protecting your data both digitally and physically can be done by incorporating a confidential shredding services are available in Cork & Limerick to help benefit your businesses data protection.

Data Security & Social Media

Twitter, Google, Facebook and other heads of cyber security such as Dropbox and a senior researcher in networking and security at UC Berkeley are discussing future methods of cyber security for their business at a sponsored event.

Twitter’s security chief has said “Users should not have to petition companies to implement security or fix egregious vulnerabilities.” The discussion continues and mentions how companies should be required to encrypt data and maintain applications and any security holes within reason.

With current technology and more and more people using mobile devices. Your device has sensors and could pick up or spread malicious software and infect unprotected software. An emphasis towards on-line security is needed and putting the research in to marketable ideas.

Protecting your business and personal information

Your on-line activity and the information you share can be viewed by the public if certain measures are not in place to protect sensitive information. The Data protection act 1998 and 2003 is an integral importance to all organisations today. There are 8 main rules for organisations. For more information visit www.securtiyinshredding.com and download out information leaflet.

Any business that stores a person’s details on electronically and especially sensitive data like card details, this data needs proper security/ encryption. Ensuring this data is protected correctly, maintain and update your site regularly. Sensitive data is correctly protected. There are a number of methods for obtaining data from a database. Some hacking methods cannot be avoided and data can be retrieved but as long as the sensitive data is encrypted then the data is useless to the hacker. Once data is encrypted the data can only be viewed by an admin.

There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that the data you possess is being stored and protected correctly. Data destruction is now as important as Data protection. Having a licensed shredding service securely destroy documents and  hard-dives will help protect you and your customers. There are shredding services available to cater for your needs.

Improving on-line security and visibility

As most security issues can be human error. With mobile devices widely available, people often forget to secure there phone correctly. Following these steps below can help you improve your on-line security.

  1. A proper anti-virus software with firewall protection on all electronic devices.(desktop, laptop, mobile)
  2. Enabling a two step verification login.
  3. Be aware of what information sites show publicly as each site is different.
  4. That sensitive data is encrypted with the latest encryption method.
  5. Report suspicious behaviour to your own and site you use as they may not be aware of the issue until someone tells them.
  6. Use a secure password, “123456” and “password” are NOT secure passwords and are surprisingly used more often than you think.

For more information on Data destruction and confidential document destruction visit www.securityinshredding.com/ for further details.

Email us at : info@securityinshredding.com

Minister says Data Protection Commissioner is independent

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Data Protection CommissionerRTE News 28th January 2016

The Minister for European Affairs and Data Protection has defended the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, saying it is completely independent of government.

Minister Dara Murphy was responding to the news that Digital Rights Ireland is to take legal action against the Government, challenging whether the office is truly an independent data authority under EU law.

DRI says a series of judgments from the EU’s top court have stressed the critical importance of a truly independent data protection authority.

However, DRI says it will claim in court that Ireland has failed to properly implement EU data protection law or follow the requirements of the Charter of Fundamental Rights by failing to ensure the Irish ODPC is genuinely independent from government.

Speaking to RTÉ News, Mr Murphy said he was aware of the impending case, but said it would be up to the courts to decide.

He added that the ODPC and its functions are completely independent of government.

He acknowledged that the ODPC is government funded, but said apart from that it is like many other agencies in the state that are independent of government.

Mr Murphy also defended the public sector’s attitude to data protection, following criticism earlier today from Data Protection Commissioner, Helen Dixon.

The minister said improvements in compliance with data protection rules are needed across society including Government departments and the public sector generally.

But he said the new European General Data Protection Regulation will change and strengthen data protection rules.

He added he had recently brought local authorities and semi-state companies together to impress upon them the strong obligations they have in this area.

He said public bodies are engaging, although that doesn’t mean there is not more work to be done in the area.

On the controversy around the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission’s accessing of journalists phone records, Mr Murphy said the Minister for Justice was right to commission an investigation into it, as it is absolutely essential that citizens have confidence in any state agency that processes or handles their data.

Commissioner critical of compliance levels

Earlier, Ms Dixon criticised the level of compliance with data protection laws in the public sector.

Ms Dixon released a statement setting out priorities for data protection rights and protocol in 2016 to mark the tenth annual Data Protection Day.

In particular, she has called for improvements to the legislative process to ensure greater deliberation and scrutiny of issues that interfere with the fundamental right to data protection.

The commissioner acknowledged data protection is not an absolute right and in certain circumstances, must yield to other competing rights.

However, she also stated that if a public body is going to interfere with data protection rights, it must generally be provided for by law, be proportionate, necessary and made in the general interest or need to protect others rights.

Ms Dixon concludes that consideration must be given to all of these matters when drafting legislation.

 

Her pointed comments come as her office prepares to begin an audit of contentious powers used by several public bodies, including An Garda Síochána and GSOC, to access telephone records and other electronic messages.

What is the European Commission’s New Data Protection Framework proposal?

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The European Commission announced a proposed reform to The European Union’s Data Protection Framework On the 25th of January 2012. You can read the full press release here. 

EU Data Protection, Secure Paper Shredding, Data Processor Firm

EU Data Protection

Within the announcement The Commission stated that the current framework – known as the 19995 EU Data Protection Directive is outdated. The main reasons for the framework to be outdated are due to rapid technology change and globalisation. These points are important to consider when deciding upon the best option to securely destroy your sensitive paper data through a confidential paper shredding service. Whether the service will be an onsite paper shredding service or an on-demand offsite paper shredding service it is important to ensure that your paper shredding company is a Data processor. You can see the list of registered Irish data processing firms here.

The new Data Protection framework will be a regulation which means all member states will have to abide by the rules. The rules will go into effect two years after they have been adopted by the member countries which is expected to be in 2018-2019.

Security in Shredding Team.

Keeping you Identity Safe – Paper Shredding Limerick

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paper shredding limerick, confidential shredding, limerick shredding service

No matter what your career, your financial standing, association involvements and tolerance for privacy it can be detrimental for you to have your identity stolen. When looking at data privacy and data protection there are lists of methods to ensure your safety for both physical data (paper records) and digital data (Online privacy). Examples of these would be data protection training, secure paper shredding, document shredding, hard-drive destruction, hiring EN 15713 certified vendors, purchasing security software and ensuring effective firewalls are in place to name a few.

We know today that the majority of data breaches and identity theft occurs online as it is easier and more efficient for criminals to source personal information without being detected and leaving a trace. This is a new and ever evolving effort for security providers and legislators to battle with in an attempt to succeed against the online data theft crimes.

However, with that in mind it is time to think about the high levels of data theft crimes that we have experienced for years and continue to experience today through bad guys impersonating their victims in return for financial gain. These crimes have been committed as long as confidential identity documents have existed. Precise and measured management is required on order to truly battle against identity theft from paper documents with the key stone being a paper shredding Limerick system, it is not only limited to The Limerick area, firms from right across the Country need to construct/purchase and implement a confidential paper shredding system to manage waste paper documents.

The hard truth is that all of our identities are linked to paper that in turn require a confidential paper shredding service. Simply having copies of the confidential documents can be all that is needed in order to pose as them. Once you can pose as someone you can claim benefits, raise loans and apply for credit cards. One single document could be worth hundreds of thousands of Euro to the right person with criminal intentions. A Limerick paper shredding service through professional vendors that are registered with the required regulatory body is an essential activity for both business and individuals in today’s economy.

The slowdown in the economy, seen the introduction of financing options from product providers such as car dealerships. This development has increased the risk of a identify theft occurring as it requires specific training for any employee to be able to identify a fraudulent request for financing.

Not all identity theft through paper documents is for money, though. A famous example is actor Wallace Ford, who acquired documents including a passport in the name of his dead friend and lived a fake life for thirty years until his death in 1966.

To battle and protect yourselves from data breaches and receiving fines and penalties hire a paper shredding Limerick vendor who has the expertise and certification that will ensure that you are protected from such breaches occurring.

Never enter waste paper into recycling bins and never allow waste vendors to “manage” your waste paper data in order to maintain confidentiality of your data and protect you and your Company’s image.Data Protection, Paper Shredding, limeirck paper shredding