You work hard to build and secure your business, your sensitive documents, and information. You probably think your office is secure. Maybe you take precautions to mitigate risks, but there may be many fraud vulnerable areas you may have not thought of. Business takes place not only in your office, but also outside of your office in the mobile world. Preventing data theft should be among your company's top priorities.

5 Data Theft Vulnerabilities

1. Printers - Does your printer require a security code? If not you could be leaving confidential information out in the open. Make sure no material is ever left at the printer area.

2. Non-secure wastepaper bins or recycling areas - Instill a “shred-all” policy. This will eliminate any potential problems as well as any confusion over what should or should not be shredded. It will also reduce your risk of employees leaving confidential information in a bin that could be exposed to prying eyes.

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3. Desks - Messy desks are extremely vulnerable to prying eyes and could result in data theft and snooping. You may have cleaning crews in your office after hours as well as maintenance people at any time. Having a clean desk policy ensures that all sensitive information is locked and stored properly. If you don’t have locked storage units, you may want to provide them. This can be as simple as locked file cabinets. Educate your employees not to keep sensitive information on their desks.

4. Computers - We live in the electronic age and we all use devices such as remote hard drives and laptops. Make sure these are all accounted for at all times. You may want to instil a policy that they have to be checked out. And to be safe, no remote storage devices should be allowed to be left in cars at any time. If your employees need to travel with them, they must keep them on their person or locked in a safe place. Never leave them in a car or in a hotel room unless they are locked in a safe.

5. Mobile Offices - Employees can now set up office anywhere. Airports, airplanes, coffee shops, etc. are all prime areas for sensitive information to be stolen. Prying eyes sitting next to them can read or even electronically pilfer the information. Educate your employees to be vigilant and aware of where they set up a workspace and who might be near them.

Taking steps to secure these vulnerabilities will go a long way towards protecting you and your business.

See also Top 20 Tips for Preventing Data Theft.