Information Security
Companies that deal with clients know they must keep their information safe. Hackers continually look for weak spots in data security systems to obtain information. While we often only hear about big data breaches, every company must be vigilant with data security.
According to a Ponemon Institute Cost of Data Breach Study, in 2018, companies are more likely to experience a data breach of at least 10,000 records (27.9%) than a person is of catching the flu (5-20%). This same report states that the global average cost of a data breach is $148 per compromised record after taking 196 days to detect the breach.
Besides the financial costs, there are legal reasons companies need to keep their data safe. Many US laws have privacy requirements written into their regulations. All 50 states have data breach notification laws outlining requirements on how to protect information and the actions required in the case of a breach. Many states are passing stricter requirements in recent months.
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In addition to client data, companies need to protect employee information as well. Companies store valuable and sensitive information on all of their employees including social security numbers, employment authorization information, benefit information, banking information, etc.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers data security guidelines for businesses of all sizes. But, while some companies focus on computer security, they neglect to take some more basic steps to protect client and employee information. Consider the following:
- Ensure sensitive documents are not exposed and computers are not unlocked especially when non-cleared people (visitors, temporary employees, cleaning crew) will be able to see them.
- Keep employee information locked up so only those who really need access can see it
- If employees work offsite, make sure they know the procedures for protecting data.
- Sensitive information should be kept covered and/or their computer screens angled away from everyone else.
- If they leave their workspace, all information should be covered and/or locked.
- They should not access public Wi-Fi networks when accessing company systems.
With the growing threat of data breaches and the increasing importance for information security, companies need to think through the entire life cycle of client and employee information to ensure it is protected at all times.
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That Affinity HR Group is an endorsed HR provider for more than a dozen national trade associations? And that we can help you recruit for your next rock star employee for a fraction of the price of a typical recruiter?
"Affinity HR Group helps us hire the right people for our fast growing organization. We have a great working relationship with the Affinity HR team. It’s a true partnership."
Leslie O’Bryan, ERPA
Chief Operating Officer |
Benefits Administrators
And Affinity can ensure your HR practices & policies are compliant and costs a fraction of the price of other national providers, such as Paychex & ADP.
"We have Affinity HR Group on a monthly retainer. They back-stop our HR team and have enabled us to delay hiring a senior HR professional. They are always responsive and helpful. We would recommend them to other building service contractors."
Michael Diamond, CBSE
Managing Partner | Affineco
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The Monday HR Minute, brought to you by Affinity HR Group, is designed to provide you with practical, applicable human resources and management advice and information in a format that will take you 60 seconds or less to read. We believe that by dedicating just one minute a week to thinking about people management practices, business owners and managers can make enormous strides in improving workplace performance. |
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Affinity HR Group is a full service human resources consulting firm that specializes in advising small and medium-sized enterprises. Our services include recruiting and selection, HR policies and compliance, ad hoc HR support, compensation and performance management, and training and development. We are an endorsed HR partner of a number of leading national trade associations and offer free initial consultations and discounted services to their member companies.
Email us at contact@affinityhrgroup.com or call 877-660-6400.
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