Fraudsters Follow You to Work

Did you know that at one point, 97% of identity theft cases reported by companies were inside jobs?¹  Here are a few simple steps you can take in the workplace to help protect yourself, your coworkers and your customers from possible threats of stolen information.

1.  Memorize your access codes.  We know you probably have a full schedule with meetings or tasks to accomplish.  Taking time to memorize your login seems like one more thing to worry about.  However, if you write down your passwords, you are putting yourself and the private information more at risk.  Consider this: would it be easier to memorize the passwords or spend several hours and financial resources recovering from a data breach?

2.  Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to passwords.  Be cautious about sharing your passwords, lock combinations, or even the location of keys for filing cabinets.  If an employee doesn’t have the same security clearance or doesn’t need access to password-protected information to perform his or her job, then he or she probably doesn’t need your passwords or key codes.  If you have keys to a filing cabinet, make sure they’re out of sight – or better yet, keep them with you at all times.

3.  Lock your device before walking away.  Having specific login credentials to protect your computer won’t do you any good if you never use them.  Think about how easy it would be for a coworker or visitor to snap a photo of your screen or access private internal documents.  Whether you’re walking a few feet away or leaving for the night, make sure you lock your computer.  If you have a PC, you can lock your computer by pressing the Windows key + the L key, or by selecting “Lock” in the Start Menu.  If you have a Mac, you can lock your computer by pressing Control + Shift + Eject OR Control + Shift + Power.

The same goes for your phone (or iPad).  Most phones now have security options like a password and/or thumbprint recognition.  For better protection, put these security measures in place and keep your phone with you at all times.

4.  Keep your workspace free of sensitive information.  If you handle documents with confidential information, make sure you don’t leave them “out in the open.”  As with locking your computer, make a habit of locking up private internal documents before you walk away from your desk.  If anyone swings by your workspace and you don’t know if they’re privy to the information in the documents you’re handling, than cover the sensitive information just to be safe.

5.  Sign up for ID Monitoring through MSA.  You can get protection services like 24/7 identity monitoring, fraud resolution assistance, lost wallet benefits, and more!

Taking a few extra steps can make a huge difference when a fraudster comes snooping around the office.  For more tips on how to protect your information, talk to your Fraud Resolution Specialist.

¹2013/2014 Global Fraud Report.  Kroll, 2013.  Web.  15 May 2015.