Shred-it’s 2019 Year-in Review – 2020 Trends

Part 3 of 3: Four Data Security Trends to Look Out for Next Year

Today’s workplaces are constantly evolving and with 2020 just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for data security trends that could impact your information security and privacy in the new year.
As we round out our “Year-in-Review” series and reflect on key learnings from 2019, here are some of the top four to look out for in 2020 and how to prepare:

1. Paper use in offices will remain high despite the shift to more digital workplaces

 
Given the average office worker still uses 10,000 sheets of paper annually, protecting physical documents still needs to be a priority for every organization. Paper isn’t going away, and one of the most effective ways to prevent security breaches from either inside or outside an organization is by implementing a Shred-it All Policy to ensure all documents are fully and securely destroyed on a regular basis.
 

1. Data breaches will continue to be the biggest threats to business

Our increased reliance on technology continues to lead to increased risks of a data breach. According to Shred-it’s Data Protection Report, even with the industry’s technical advances,  an overwhelming 60% of respondents feel that their personal data security has declined over the past 10 years. With this trend showing no signs of reversing, it’s more important than ever for C-Suite executives and small business owners (SBOs) to train employees and remind them of data protection best practices, like a Clean Desk Policy, to reduce the risk of a data breach from happening. Find out if your company is at risk by using Shred-it’s new Risk Assessment Tool, our free online questionnaire that can determine your company’s security risk level and help you put an action plan in place.
 

1. There will be still be an alarming lack of understanding about the consequences of a breach

Despite recognizing that data security risks are a real threat, C-Suites and SBOs continue to underestimate their potential consequences. A single data breach can cost a business millions of dollars in lost revenue, not to mention the long-term reputational hit. Cyber-attacks are also increasingly sophisticated, making regular employee training essential.
 

1. Mobile breaches are on the rise

 
Research has shown that the risk of a data breach With remote work often taking place in public places such as airports or coffee shops, businesses need to adopt a strong Remote Work Policy to keep proprietary and confidential information secure at all times and should keep the following in mind when working away from the office:

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi connections: Never make online payments, send confidential information, or introduce important account passwords when using public Wi-Fi. Cyber criminals create networks that look like free internet but allow the criminals access to your data.
• Don’t leave your phones easily accessible to others in the area: Phones and other mobile devices are big targets. Always be aware of where mobile devices are; never leave them unattended and in sight.
• Don't leave papers documents behind in public places. Things such as boarding passes, receipts and any other document that has confidential information that could be used maliciously should be kept until it can be securely stored or disposed of. 

 
Thank you for following along in our three-part Year-in-Review. If you missed the first two segments, you can catch up by reading Shred-it’s four key tips to protect confidential information or by getting a detailed explanation about how our new risk assessment tool can help protect your business. You can also contact us to get a free quote and security risk assessment and find out how Shred-it can protect your documents.