Businesses, government agencies, and other enterprises usually store and otherwise handle sensitive data. Unfortunately, data breaches occur on a regular basis. In order to protect this data, as well as the potential for identity theft, it’s essential to take ongoing security precautions.

Different Types of Identity Theft

According to USA.gov, an individual’s personal information is stolen in order to commit fraud. While there are several different types of identity theft, the most common are tax, medical, and social. In addition to fraudulently using someone’s Social Security number, Medicare ID, or health insurance member number, thieves may also use someone’s name and photographs to create fake accounts on various social media platforms.

Advice From the Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) website offers advice to businesses and other enterprises regarding how to proceed if a data breach should occur. Even though individual cases will vary, these guidelines provide important aspects to consider.

First of all, the FTC indicates that it’s important to expedite the process of securing systems and addressing any vulnerabilities. Secondly, it’s important to immediately call in a breach response team to assist with preventing further data loss. Thirdly, it’s important to consult with experts to engage in a response to the breach.

There are other measures recommended by the FTC. These include, but aren’t limited to, taking the following steps:

• Secure breach-related physical areas.
• Take breach-affected equipment offline.
• Keep machines on for forensic team.
• Delete any information that has been improperly posted on the web.
• Conduct interviews with the individuals that discovered the data breach.
• Maintain, rather then destroy, all evidence of the breach.

Schedule Regular Document Shredding Services

Since your business or other enterprise needs to protect its data, it’s likely that you engage in regular document shredding. In addition to considering secure paper shredding services, you may have considered the benefits of having a high security paper shredder on-site. A high capacity paper shredder, such as an industrial shredder machine, can handle a considerable number of documents. A high capacity paper shredder can provide your office with level 6 shredding needs as well.

In addition to having an on-site shredder, your office may also see the benefits of outsourcing with a bonded shredding service. Once you speak with a representative, you will be able to discuss your shredding needs. At this time, you can also discuss whether or not you need this service to be provided on-site.