With all of the recent headlines in the news about data breaches, it’s important to understand what a data breach is.

Definition

Defined by Wikipedia as “the intentional or unintentional release of secure information to an untrusted environment,” other, more notorious terms include “unintentional information disclosure,” “data leak” and “data spill.” Whichever definition you prefer, disclosures, leaks, and spills are never good words to hear in the world of data security.

Importance

When the integrity and confidentiality of your business is at stake, it’s a big deal. Federal and State laws continue to create a climate of increased liability…and the fines are growing exponentially. The climate for massively damaging missteps has never been more aligned.  More information flows through a multitude of venues today than at any other time in history, and the fines have never been greater. The perfect storm is upon us, so find the time to shore up your policies, procedures, vendors, and security.

Action Plan

Take the threat seriously…assume your information is under attack NOW! Secure information, control information flow, and properly dispose of all information that isn’t absolutely necessary to keep. And remember, COPS Shredding Can Help!