Customer information is extremely valuable. Access to and disclosure of Protected Personal Information (PPI) such as SSN, date of birth, home address, home telephone number, etc., must be strictly limited to individuals with an official need to know. As professionals, it’s our job to safeguard it. A few things should be done daily to ensure this:

• Never keep a file on your desk when you leave for lunch or go home for the day. Make sure you lock it in your drawer for safe keeping.
• Lock your computer when you plan to be away for an extended period of time.
• Always encrypt your emails when sending PPI in the body of the email or in an attachment.

A breach of a customer’s data can be detrimental to a company or an individual. Learn more about how you and your company can safeguard personal information here.