Overview

Fellowes is a global manufacturer of business machines, records storage solutions and technology accessories that enable people to work with greater security, organization and productivity.

Fellowes offerings include:

• Fellowes® - Powershred® shredders, workspace and technology accessories, media storage, binding equipment and laminating machines
  
  
• Bankers Box® - Records storage products and solutions
  
  
• Body Glove® - Mobile technology accessories
  
  
• NEATO® - Media labeling products

Fellowes Fight Against Workplace Identify Theft

Dealing with confidential information containing everything from corporate trade secrets and marketing research, to social security numbers and addresses of employees, customers and vendors is an everyday reality for many companies.

Recent news headlines about dumpster diving and stolen laptops have shown the release of any kind of proprietary information can have disastrous consequences for businesses.

In the last two years alone, 85% of businesses in North America have experienced a data breach involving the loss or theft of customer, consumer or employee data. In that same period of time, more than 150 million records have been exposed. The financial implications stemming from the theft of proprietary information in the workplace are startling. On average, data losses cost companies $182 per compromised record in 2006.

With an ongoing exchange of paper in offices, the workplace is an increasingly desirable target for identity thieves. Small businesses are particularly at risk because they don't always have the resources to protect their information. Protecting your data is protecting your business.

Workplace Identity Theft Prevention Tips

1. Shred ALL proprietary information with a cross-cut shredder. While some companies utilize off-site shredding services to destroy information, on-site shredding offers the convenience and a greater sense of security in knowing that information is destroyed immediately. A deskside shredder is ideal for business professionals that regularly handle sensitive information including legal, accounting, human resource or finance personnel.
   
2. Businesses should look for personal or commercial shredders that destroy CDs/DVDs, can handle large volumes of paper and feature confetti-cut versus strip-cut capabilities, ensuring all private information is destroyed into small, unidentifiable pieces.
   
3. Develop office guidelines for all employees that outlines the proper procedures for protecting sensitive information.
   
4. Keep all sensitive information and files locked away. Restrict access to those who need it and closely watch your files. Work with your company’s IT department to limit the access employees have to electronic files. All files should be password protected and encrypted.
   
5. Ensure all company computers have the most up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. Also check to ensure wireless networks are protected with the proper security settings.
   
6. Limit the use of social security numbers in the workplace. Don't use social security numbers on items such as employee identification badges, time cards or paychecks.
   
7. Conduct thorough background checks on potential employees. It is not uncommon for confidential information to be stolen from within.
   
8. Use a locked mailbox to send mail that contains personal or company checks, social security numbers or account information.
   
9. At the end of each work day, all employees should log off their computers and lock their workstations or office doors. All confidential documents should be filed away rather than left at one's desk.
   
10. When traveling for business, employees should pay attention to their surroundings, especially when using a cell phone, laptop or Blackberry. For those who frequently utilize hotel business centers, check to see if they have shredders on-site and never throw away confidential information.
    
    It is essential that businesses incorporate shredders into their office environment and proactively encourage employees to shred all of their confidential information. To learn more about workplace identity theft visit:

    http://www.redwoodeditor.com/content/Fellowes/confidenceinconfidential/

For More Information

To learn more about Fellowes visit www.fellowes.ca.

Contact Fiona McFarlane at:

fmcfarlane@fellowes.com

(905) 752-8188 / (800) 665-4339

About Fellowes

Founded in 1974 by Fellowes, Inc., Fellowes Canada has experienced tremendous growth over the last 30 years, primarily within the shredder category, thanks in part to government legislation regulating the storage and destruction of personal information, but also as a result of the dramatic increases in workplace identity theft.

Fellowes is the world leader in paper shredder design and engineering. It offers an impressive range of products to equip the workspace, including binders and laminators, desktop accessories and record storage solutions.

Fellowes, Inc. is a global manufacturer and marketer of workspace products and solutions that enhance security, organization and productivity in today’s workplace. Founded in 1917 by Harry Fellowes and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Fellowes, Inc. owns and operates subsidiaries and affiliates in 15 countries. It employs more than 2,700 people throughout the world and expects global sales in excess of $700 million this year.

Privacy Support

that Works

Quick, Complete and Easy-to-Use