Top Ten Tips to Protect Your Business from ID Theft
Summary
The key to minimising the risk of identity theft affecting your business is effective prevention. If you look after your details and protect your data and security information then it will be very difficult for fraudsters to commit even the simplest form of ID theft.
Top ten tips for preventing ID theft:
Do not have a simple password! Make it something that you could not guess (random letters and numbers are best), and change it regularly.
Do not leave your password information anywhere near the computers that use it; as soon as you can memorize the password, destroy the written copy so that it cannot be read.
Do not respond to emails asking you to send your details or password, even if it looks like it is from your bank; it probably is not. If it looks important contact your bank, and only send details by logging in directly to the bank (E.g.: Type in www.yourbank.com into your browser), NOT through the email.
Do not send identifiable confidential data via standard email as it is not 100% secure. If you need to use it then make the data unusable on its own (E.g.: Send two emails each with half the data; so that if one is intercepted the information cannot be abused.)
Make sure that every computer in your business has a virus killer and a firewall, keep them up to date and virus check every file you download.
Do NOT download email attachments unless it is something business related that you are specifically expecting. Even then, you must virus check them before opening.
Shred (or tear into very small pieces) important documents before you dispose of them; otherwise criminals that search through rubbish for information could find valuable data about your business.
Register with the ‘Proof’ system at Companies House, this makes it significantly harder for fraudsters to alter or abuse your details.
If your business uses a wireless network, setup WEP protection (if your equipment has it) as a basic minimum; you should also seriously consider paying for a more secure setup, especially if your computers are important to the running of your business. If your computers carry confidential customer data then extra security should be essential.
Do not ignore false comments made by people pretending to be your business, if they are not dealt with they could cause huge amounts of bad publicity and severely damage your reputation.
BizHelp24 – UK business and finance information, news, help and services for small businesses BizHelp24 is a UK business and finance resource providing Small Business Help, Start up Information, news and services; for individuals and Sole Traders. Comprehensively covering a wide range of key business, finance, and service topics. Employment and personal information includes Work Times and Break Entitlement, Body Language, employee Holiday Entitlement and Employment Contracts. Credit Policy information includes Letter of Credit, useful Credit Notes, Business Loans. and Cash Flow Control. Other information areas include Bankruptcy, Homeworking, Business Failure, Company House and Company Names,
The free content within this entire web site is for information only.
The content is believed to be accurate, but only in general terms. Specific advice is needed for individuals & businesses.
ROK Connect Limited (Registered in England No.3573320) t/a
Biz Help 24 is registered with the
Data Protection Act 1998 No.PZ7082780
