Getting Rid of Old Electronic Equipment? Destroy the Data!
Today I stumbled on a business blog post from Chubb that really grabbed my attention. This was regarding disposal of computers, laptops and any other electronic equipment that may contain personal information about employees, clients or customers. Make sure that the information has been completely destroyed!
Here’s the post……“Trashing Bytes of Information”
When you dispose of this type of equipment, it is not enough to simply delete the information from the hard drive or format the disk. Instead, you should overwrite, or wipe, the hard drives and disks. You can do this by purchasing a wipe disk software program that conforms to Department of Defense requirements.
If you dispose of equipment without taking the proper steps to destroy the information, it could still be accessible and this may constitute a data breach. Your business may be subject to the same fines, penalties and regulatory notification requirements as if your systems had been infiltrated by a hacker.
Techniques for Removing Information
1. Deleting
Deleting information is not effective. It removes pointers to information on your device, but it does not remove the information. Do not rely on the deletion method you routinely use when working on your device, whether moving a file to the trash or a recycle bin or choosing “delete” from a menu. Even if you “empty” the trash, the information is still there. It can be retrieved.
2. Overwriting
Overwriting is effective on all computing devices. It puts random data in place of your information, which cannot be retrieved because it has been obliterated. There are software programs and hardware devices available that are designed to erase your hard drive, CD or DVD—but because these programs and devices have varying levels of effectiveness, it is important to carefully investigate your options.
3. Physical Destruction
Physical destruction is the ultimate way to prevent others from retrieving your information. Of course, you should physically destroy the device only if you do not plan to give it to someone else. Specialized services will disintegrate, burn, melt or pulverize your computer drive and other devices. If for some reason you do not wish to use a service, it is possible for you to destroy your hard drive by drilling nails or holes into the device yourself or even smashing it with a hammer. Never burn a hard drive, put it in the microwave or pour acid on it.
See more on this subject at: Cyber Liability Safely Disposing of Your Devices
-JK
Employers Rethink Benefits
According to the new Aflac Workforces Report, 49% of employers agree that controlling costs is the top business issue facing companies today. In 2013, as a result of Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation and rising costs, businesses:
- Eliminated or delayed raises (32%)
- Eliminated or cut back on benefits (22%)
- Changed some full-time workers to part-time workers (21%)
- Reduced the number of major medical plan options (14%)
Credit: iamagazine.com
-JK
Download OSHA’s Heat Safety Tool To Keep Workers Safe
When you’re working in the heat, safety comes first. With the OSHA Heat Safety Tool, you have vital safety information available whenever and wherever you need it—right on your mobile phone.
The app allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their work site, and, based on the heat index, displays a risk level to outdoor workers. Then, with a simple click, you can get reminders about the protective measures that should be taken at that risk level to protect workers from heat-related illness.
For more information about safety while working in the heat, see OSHA’s heat illness Web page, including new online guidance about using the heat index to protect workers. Download the app directly from OSHA’s website.
Photo by: CAL-OSHA
The Ins and Outs of Small Business Insurance
Being an entrepreneur makes you the boss, but along with getting to choose your own hours, location, and business plan, it also means that you’re responsible for a lot of other things like commercial/business insurance. There’s a lot more to business insurance than getting the lowest business insurance quotes. It means understanding your business’s unique needs and the potential hazards that can threaten its success.
This brief video from the Insurance Information Institute touches on the ins and outs of small business insurance, including coverage for:
- Property loss
- Business disruption
- Theft
- General liability (including product liability)
- Professional liability (also known as “Errors & omissions,” or “E&O”)
- Employment Practices Liability
- Workers’ Compensation
Credit: Insurance Information Institute
-JK
The Risk of Internet Business
As a modern day business owner, you have likely felt the push to become more web-involved. The Internet seems to be where businesses are concentrating efforts, whether they involve revamping your website to keep up with the competition or creating social media accounts to attract a new audience. Of course, charting a new business course presents new risks. Navigating the Internet can be difficult enough when dealing with multiple accounts, email marketing and search engine optimization, but you’re also responsible for protecting the information that you store there. Cyber liability insurance may be the answer.
- In 2008, almost 50% of businesses reported they had 1 to 5 cyber risks.
- The most expensive cyber risk incidents involve fraud, which averages a loss of almost $500,000.
- In 2008, the most common cyber risk businesses faced were viruses, followed by inside abuse and then laptop theft.
- In 2012, 36% of the business industry experienced a data breach.
To understand what protection cyber risk insurance provides, you must first understand the risk you face as a business. Cyber attacks don’t necessarily occur in the ether of Internet. Cyber attacks can also include computer hardware problems, communication media errors, system backup and operating system errors and even errors and fraud invoving internal people like system administrators.
A company can face three common types of cyber risks:
- Natural: The most common errors and losses result from severe weather. For example, a lightning strike or power surge can severely damage or destroy an entire database.
- Human error: These unintentional acts can involve something as simple as leaving a laptop that has access to patient medical records, at the airport.
- Intentional: This involves illegal criminal activity and can occur outside the organization, by hackers or criminals, or inside the organization.
No matter what kind of cyber attack you experience, the consequences of an attack can be expensive. In addition to retrieving information and establishing new cyber protocols, many companies have to perform clean-up efforts with a customer base. Cyber liability insurance can help with each step of recovery.
Source: Trusted Choice
-JK
An Audience Was Tricked Into Using Their Phones To See What Happens When You Text And Drive
Volkswagen created a pretty impressive PSA for an audience in Hong Kong that shows what happens when you look at your phone while driving.
After they were seated, the audience was shown a first-person view of a car on the road.
Using a location-based broadcaster, a person hiding upstairs then sent a text to everyone in the theater.
See what happens next…
“Mobile use is now the leading cause of death behind the wheel,” the ad finished.
Good work Volkswagen. I thought this was a clever and thoughtful message.
Credit: BuzzFeed
-JK
Smart Phone Captures the Poinsettia Fire Burning in Carlsbad
WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE
In Carlsbad, officials said at a news briefing that 22 housing structures were destroyed: four single-family homes and an 18-unit apartment building, along with two commercial buildings. The loss was estimated at $22.5 million according to the L.A. Times.
-JK
Loyola Marymount Alumni for Others National Day of Service
This past Saturday, Joanelle and I participated in Loyola Marymount University’s National Day of Service at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. As volunteers, we helped assemble food packages for over 23,000 low income seniors, women with infants, and children in Los Angeles County. The food packages consist of food items like canned fruit, canned vegetables, rice, cereal, juice, and other non-perishable food items. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank distributes 60 million pounds of food and product annually through a network of over 640 charitable agencies with more than 1,000 sites. The Food Bank is one of the largest organizations of its kind in the United States and it relies on the support of foundations, individual and corporate donors, agency support, government funding and volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, get more information HERE.
Here’s a video on some of the services the LARF provides:
-JK
It’s Time For Dodger Baseball!
Today’s the Dodgers home opener. Since I can’t be at home to watch it, I brought them to work instead..
(Not a good start to this game!)
-JK
California Is Riskiest State for Employee Lawsuits
A new study by Hiscox revealed that, on average, a United States-based business with at least 10 employees has a 12.5% chance of having an employment liability charge filed against them. However, California has the most frequent incidences of Employment Practices Liability charges in the country and businesses in the state have a 42% higher chance of being sued by an employee than the national average! Not surprising!
Behind California, #2 is Illinois, #3 – Alabama, #4 – Arizona & Mississippi. and #5 is Georgia.
The Hiscox survey reveals that lower-risk states for Employment Practices Liability charges include Massachusetts, Michigan, Kentucky, Washington and West Virginia.
One way to help mitigate loss from an employee, potential employee, or former employee suing your business for an employment related claim is to purchase an Employment Practices Liability Insurance policy. Workers Compensation Insurance does NOT cover Employment Practices Liability related claims!
-JK
Source – PropertyCasualty360
About Me
I grew up in Fullerton, CA and graduated from Servite High School in Anaheim. I have my Bachelors degree from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. I currently live in Tustin, CA.
Please contact me if you need help with any of the following lines of insurance for your business:
-Cyber / Data Breach
-Commercial Property
-Commercial General Liability
-Products Liability
-Workers Compensation
-Commercial Auto
-Umbrella/Excess Liability
-Errors & Omissions/ Professional Liability
-Employment Practices Liability
-Directors & Officers
-Life & Disability Insurance
Jimmy Kinmartin, CPCU 