In This Section:

Confidential Data

Case Study - Confidential Data

No organisation can avoid having large quantities of confidential data.

Depending on their level in an organisation, employees usually have access to this information.

Awareness

During our investigations, we regularly ascertain that employees are not always aware of the importance of dealing correctly with this information.

A tour of many business premises during and after working hours often reveals a treasure of information - information a competitor would be glad to get hold of!

Employees cannot always judge the value of certain information, and this lack of judgement is often caused by a failure within the organisation to lay down clear guidelines defining which information is strictly confidential and which is not.

Security

It should not come as a surprise that security consciousness regarding confidential data is low.

Although the advent of the computer gave rise to a belief that we would experience a virtually paper-free office, in reality about 70% of all data is still committed to paper.

It is often surprising that strictly confidential data is left lying around deserted offices during and after working hours when:

  • After working hours is when personnel of the cleaning company have ready access to this data
  • Employees who are working overtime can wander around various offices and departments, even if they have no reason to be away from their work station

Security of data is, just like other forms of security, the responsibility of managers and directors. Drawing up clear, explanatory guidelines is the first step to professionally dealing with your business data.

Guidelines

Does your organisation have such guidelines in place?

Are there possibilities for internal fraud and business espionage with your organisation?

Perhaps this is a good time to critically review these and other security measures. Victorian Detective Services, with our extensive experience in this field, are at your service.

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