Keeping Your Business’s Sensitive Information Secure
As you’re no doubt aware, the recent Panama Papers debacle caused by a security leak from a Panamanian Law Firm, resulted in the personal information of many Australian Taxpayers being divulged to the world. Since that event, we’ve fielded several queries from clients as to Advivo’s security measures, as well as requests for advice on their own. All our clients can rest in the knowledge that any information you have provided to us is securely stored on our servers located right here in Australia.
During our own internal security audit, we have decided to implement an additional security measure which will allow clients to upload their information (including data files) directly to our servers through a secure portal linked to our website. This is just another added measure we’re taking to ensure your information remains as secure as possible and will hopefully reduce the amount of physical information being sent to us via the post, as we see this as another area of risk, relying on the security procedures of external postage services. Watch this space as we’ll provide more information on our new portal as it’s developed and implemented in the near future!
In relation to your own systems and procedures, here are Five Easy Ways to Protect your Business from Theft Internally and Externally and we suggest all our clients implement and adhere to these so as to minimise the potential for information leakage, fraud and even theft.
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- Password protect your business records and software. We suggest passwords are updated at least on a monthly basis.
- Password protect your hardware. This includes all computers, laptops, tablets, routers and even mobile phones where they contain sensitive information.
- Keep your antivirus and antispyware up to date on all your devices.
- Limit authorisations and access to your internet banking. Many banks allow ‘two to authorise’ or ‘one to authorise – one to process’ systems of control for your internet banking. Both of these simple processes allow protection against both external and internal risk and we strongly suggest all our clients look into this kind of authorisation process (or similar) with their own banks. This provides peace of mind knowing that even if passwords do somehow manage to fall into the wrong hands, your hard earned money is safe and not able to be transferred externally without your express authorisation.
- Immediately change key passwords when an employee leaves, no matter what the reason.
These are generic tips only and every business will have different security risks and measures that can be implemented to mitigate those risks. Risks can increase in businesses with inventory/stock control, cash processing, limited staff rotation and many more factors. Please contact your Partner if you would like to discuss potential risks specific to your business. We can provide a tailored risk assessment and advise on solutions specific to your own systems and procedures.