Top 2019 Security Trends to Watch Out For

Did you know that your cell phone is a fraudster's dream? Are you aware that the pile of documents on your desk is one of the biggest security risks? When was the last time you changed your password on your computer? If you haven’t given these questions much thought, then you are most likely not up to speed with 2019 security and privacy trends. It only takes one breach to cause huge financial and reputational consequences.

If this is news to you, don’t worry – we’re here to help! This week we’re bringing you up to speed on the top 2019 data security trends to watch out for – and what to do about them. 

2019 Data Security Trends

1.) Cybersecurity vs. physical documents.  You are most likely flooded with news reports that talk about the rise of cyber breaches, attacks on cryptocurrency and the explosive growth of cryptojacking. Don’t be fooled. Paper and physical documents are still a leading cause of security breaches if they are not regularly destroyed. An easy way for organizations to ensure that these physical documents don’t pose a risk is to implement a Shred-it All policy that requires all individuals to shred everything.

2.) The rise of work travel. If you find yourself at an airport or a train station once a week, you are one of the many employees who has to travel for work. What can be an exciting trip can turn into a potential disaster if you’re not safe. Your passport, boarding pass, and folders of work documents are security breaches waiting to happen. That’s why you should safely destroy these documents at your hotel or put them in a locked console upon your arrival to prevent a breach.

3.) Cell phones and smart devices. If you are like most employees, you don’t leave the house without your cell phone, your laptop and perhaps an iPad or smart watch. This digital era that we live in creates a heightened need to better protect yourself from fraud. Do you have different passwords for each smart device? Do you change these passwords regularly? If you do not, you are not alone. If you are using your cell phone to type a work email or if you are using your work computer in public, be aware that public places pose a huge risk for a security breach. You should aim to change your passwords on these devices once a month.

4.) The law is not enough to keep you safe. Don’t be fooled that legislators have your back when it comes to privacy protection. Despite the fact that there are regulations in place to help protect your information - you also have a part to play. Sweeping new privacy legislation is often put in place without advance warning which makes it difficult for business and individuals to know if they are being compliant. For example, are you aware of the new GDPR legislation that was put in place last year? Are you familiar with The Digital Privacy Act that was implemented in November 2018?  In order to avoid a security disaster, educate yourself on potential threats.  

To protect yourself and your organization from security risks this year, it is important to stay in the know. 

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To learn more about how Shred-it can protect your documents and hard drives, please contact us to get a free quote and security risk assessment.