Tag Archives: Secure Shredding

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/

 

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.

 

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/

 

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

Business Environment – What can be Recycled?

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recycling for business & paper shredding service

A secure document shredding service in the Limerick, Galway and Cork areas will provide you with the data security needed for document shredding. While also providing a recycling service for your business thus helping the environment.

Firstly, within a business it makes definite sense to recycle as reducing waste makes business sense. As all businesses run under the simple formula that is to maximise income and reduce costs, is necessity for business survival a clear achievable waste reduction and recycling plan performs as an aid to businesses in reaching their goals
and objectives effectively.

An organisation can save up to and above 25% on waste management costs with an effective waste reduction and recycling plans in operation. It is estimated that waste production can cost your business up to 4% of turnover and in some companies it can reach as high as 10%.


How Waste Reduction & Recycling Plans Benefit Businesses:

  1. Recycling services reduce net operating costs as recycling is a less expensive process than that of waste disposal.
  1. Waste reduction and recycling is a straight forward and simple task for an organisation to conduct once they have the right information and expertise helping them through. It takes a short period of time for an organisation to implement a waste reduction and recycling plan while the beneficial monetary savings will continue long into the future.
  1. Both customer and communities are aware when Organisations are environmentally friendly which in turn has a knock on effect relating to the company image and potential client perception of the organisation.
  1. The purchasing of re-manufactured goods and those manufactured with recycled content can save money and improve overall efficiency within an organisation.
  1. Through compliance schemes and compliant documentation companies can achieve awards in relation to their environmentally friendly practices which is an additional positive aspect to recycling for an organisation
  1. An organisation that is recycling ethically has the opportunity to benefit from making new business partners within various industries that have the common stance that recycling is an imperative aspect of their daily business.

 

Within the waste material produced by an organisation there are certain items that should be segregated from the main General Waste, Mixed Recycling Waste and Green Waste.
Segregated items would include Bulky Items and Hazardous Items.

Bulky Items Hazardous Items
Furniture Hazardous Chemicals
Mattresses Paint
Rock, Dirt, Concrete Used Oil
Appliances Propane Tanks
Tires Batteries

tyre-recycling
Once the items above are segregated the remaining waste is suitable for mixed recycling collections and general waste collections.
The list of materials an Organisation can recycle, re-use and/or purchase as re manufactured is vast and I have noted clearly below a list comprising of material that would be of benefit to an organisation when implementing efficient and effective recycling plans.

  • Aluminium foil and cans
  • Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
  • Class Containers, Bottles and Jars
  • Metal cans
  • Mixed paper, including magazines and junk mail
  • Newspapers
  • Paperboard Both White and Coloured
  • Hard plastics and Plastic Containers
  • Autos
  • Fluorescent Tubes
  • Metals
  • Plastic Bags
  • Tires

Organisations and businesses requiring information about the recycling can find out more by visiting https://www.repak.ie.

For more information on a paper shredding service in Limerick, Cork, Galway and Dublin areas please our site for more information.

Site: https://www.securityinshredding.com/

Why Media Destruction Of Digital Devices Is Necessary

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confidential electronic-destruction

At Security In Shredding paper shredding services provide excellent data security. Digital and electronic devices should be treated with the same manner regarding data security. Again a sure fire method of this is physically destroying these devices once they are no longer needed.

Digital Data & Devices

Electronic Data and Electronic Devices have grown rapidly within the Business Environment which in turn has resulted in new data protection regulations being implemented and continuous security measures being improved within organisations. Due to the required high volume of Technology being utilised within Business today in addition to the level of data being gathered there has been true improvements achieved however, there are also serious problems.

At the top of this list is the significant topic of appropriately disposing & recycling the obsolete and end of life devices while protecting the personal data within the given device as organisations are obligated to do through Data Protection Legislation.

So how can an organisation be certain that their data is protected as they dispose of their devices and media that they no longer need or are no longer required to be retained for compliance purposes?

By sourcing experienced professional data (Paper, Media, and Textiles etc.) destruction companies to destruct electronic media an organisation receives many significant benefits.

Benefits such as:

  • Organisations ensure compliance with The European Data Protection Directive
  • Peace of mind that all data within the organisations electronic media is destroyed and non-recoverable.
  • Mitigates the risk of unauthorised use of the organisations sensitive information stored on electronic media.
  • The security of receiving audit ready fully traceable documentation and certification
  • Overall improved efficiency by outsourcing the destruction service to a professional company. Many organisations attempt to conduct the destruction of sensitive material in-house. This has proven in historic circumstances to be time consuming, unsecured, unreliable, untraceable and troublesome for many organisations.
  • Reduced risk of inadvertent disclosure through top level security and experienced safeguards throughout the shredding process whether it is onsite or offsite.

In addition to hard-drive and media storage devices it is essential for clients to be fully aware of the true detrimental risks attached to IT Assets and the disposal/Recycling of them. Today many electronic devices store data within an organisation.

Devices within offices such as:

  • Computer Hard-drives
  • Laptop Hard-drives
  • Printers and Scanners with internal hard-drives
  • Mobile Phones
  • Fax machines
  • Mobiles Phones
  • Servers
  • Other IT assets & office equipment

These all possess a serious risk to an organisation during the disposal/recycling process. With this in mind professional data destruction companies such as Security in Shredding provide IT Asset Disposition services to help organisations to destroy and recycle IT equipment through reliable, experienced, environmentally friendly and best practised methods and services.

For more information on our media destruction service, please visit our page and contact a member of our team if you have any enquiries.

Email us at: info@securityinshredding.com