You are surely aware of the risks associated with identity theft. So much so that you take precautions in your regular life without even realizing it. But have you ever considered that businesses, regardless of size, are just as vulnerable to identity theft as individuals? Or that there are actions a business may do to defend itself against identity thieves and avoid being a victim? Today’s blog will discuss business identity theft and the various steps to take to avoid it.

Have Security Systems In Place

When developing a new system or workflow, consider security early in the design process rather than towards the end. Whether you’re creating something digital or something physical, it’s critical to understand the security requirements and how they will connect with other elements of your business. Nowadays, security takes precedence above organizational efficiency, especially when it comes to things like filing. If you need to maintain physical copies of papers, especially those containing sensitive data, it’s critical to ensure strong physical protection and design your file system so that anyone without the proper permissions can’t get into it.

Limit Access

Many business owners fail to recognize that they do not have to let everyone in the organization access every piece of data and document. In fact, we actively discourage it. Instead, determine what information each employee requires to execute their job and limit access to that information. This means you’re less likely to face deliberate identity theft or irate employees swiping information as they leave the building. Make sure sensitive information is restricted, whether it is physical or digital. You can verify that usernames and passwords are granted unique access permissions for digital assets and that each account has a digital audit trail, making you entirely traceable.

Keep An Eye On Your Money

If you’re concerned about business identity theft, start with the money. Wanting all, that is what the majority of hackers and scammers are after! So, keep a close eye on your finances as often as possible. Make sure you understand what’s going on in your business bank accounts, as this is frequently where you’ll find the earliest indication of a problem. Know what every incoming and departing transaction is, and respond quickly if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Use Secure Passwords

Training your staff in basic digital security is essential in today’s world, but one area where many individuals still struggle is passwords. Passwords continue to be the most popular target for hackers, particularly those targeting small businesses. And when ‘password’ remains on the top ten list of most often used passwords, you know something is amiss! Long, strong passwords are essential for protecting your company. Even your social network passwords can be a goldmine for anyone attempting to steal your company’s identity, so use strong passwords. After all, a company’s social media account could be used to reach out to a wide range of clients and post defamatory or offensive content that could harm your reputation.

Hire a Professional to Shred Your Documents Securely

When it comes to physical documents, disposal must be as secure as use and storage. This necessitates shredding. It is critical that your company implements a regular shredding schedule to ensure that nothing is overlooked. Shredding completely destroys the documents, making it impossible to access any data contained within them. If you are unable to handle regular shredding on your own, consider collaborating with a shredding partner who is.

Call Chesapeake Paper Systems Today

Document shredding is a must-have for any business in order to avoid future crises. Chesapeake Paper Systems’ high-end mobile shredding units provide highly secure and quick document shredding. We take pride in providing environmentally friendly document shredding services by recycling all waste. We currently serve Baltimore, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and a number of other cities.

So, what are you holding out for? Enjoy Chesapeake’s fast, sustainable, and affordable document shredding services! Contact us today to learn more and to get a quote.