Confidential Santa Sack

If a stranger opened your family's sack of gifts from Santa, what would they find out about you? Are you a golf enthusiast? Does your wife enjoy cooking? Is your son mad on Batman? Does your daughter love One Direction? 

Often the gifts we receive at Christmas say a lot about us, but what if instead of gifts, a stranger had access to a Santa sack full of our personal data?

Identity Theft is on the increase each year, so what can we do to protect ourselves, our family and our businesses?

At Home And Work

Confidential data can easily be mixed up with general rubbish so it is vital the two are kept separate. Never throw documents that contain personal data e.g. bank statements away with your general rubbish. Confidential files and paperwork should be shredded (not just torn into a few pieces) and disposed of using confidential waste sacks where possible. 

Shred your confidential data.

Shredded confidential waste can be disposed of in these waste sacks.

Keep an eye on bank statements and notify your bank immediately if you spot any unusual transactions. Make sure your confidential documents are stored away out of sight, particularly if you are expecting visitors/hosting parties over the festive period.

Online

When browsing online, if you are asked to enter personal information, check that the website you are using is secure (website address will start with https:// - the “s” signifies the site is secure).

How secure are you online? 

If you use passwords online, ensure you do not use the same password for all your online accounts – social media, email, online shopping accounts etc. Also ensure your passwords are strong and not easily solvable.

Telephone Calls

If you receive cold calls asking you to give personal information do not give them your details. If the caller claims to be someone you know or trust e.g. bank or phone company explain that you will visit the local branch to discuss the issue.  

We hope you have found our advice useful. If you are concerned about protecting your confidential documents, why not visit our website www.cuberms.hk or call us on 29142200. 

Christmas Office Clearout

Now November has arrived, Christmas is just around the corner. In preparation for a new business year, why not take the time to plan a Christmas Office Clearout?

What is a Christmas Office Clearout?

Your Christmas Office Clearout can be small scale or large scale – take a look round your office environment: what would benefit your company?

Decorations: Do you work in an office that puts up Christmas decorations? If so, take them down BEFORE your office closes over the Christmas period. Although decorations look festive and cheerful, they can also be quite depressing to come back to after the excitement of Christmas is over. If you work in an office that doesn’t start back until the New Year, taking the decorations down before the break enables your team to start the new working year with fresh ideas and raring to go, instead of scrabbling around taking down tinsel and trees the moment they come back.  

Clutter: In a busy working environment it is easy to let your desk become a clutter zone. Not only can a cluttered desk create a disorganized working environment, but it also creates the risk of losing documents and files. Check your working environment pre clearout – what areas need to be improved? Does your office need improved storage? Don’t forget to dispose of confidential waste correctly!

Layout: Does your office layout need a revamp? This can be as simple as moving your furniture round! You may find that old and “worn out” furniture needs throwing out and replacing.

Decor: Is your office decor looking a bit “tired”. As business closes over the Christmas period, an empty office is the perfect environment for a bit of office TLC e.g. a fresh coat of paint (or a whole different colour scheme!). 

What better way to start a new year than with a new look office?!