Sensitive information involved in multiple data breaches
Recent reports have highlighted a concerning trend in data breaches: the involvement of paperbased personally identifiable information (PII). While most people think of data breaches as occurring solely in the digital realm, the reality is that paper documents containing sensitive information can also be at risk. In fact, paperbased PII is involved in more data breaches than many may realize.
The Risks of Paper Documents
When we think of data breaches, we often picture hackers gaining access to digital databases and stealing information. However, data breaches can also occur when physical paper documents containing sensitive information are mishandled or accessed by unauthorized individuals. This can happen through a variety of means, including lost or stolen documents, improperly disposed of paperwork, or even employees accessing information they should not have access to.
One of the main risks associated with paper documents is the lack of security measures in place to protect them. While digital files can be encrypted and passwordprotected, paper documents are often left vulnerable to anyone who can physically get their hands on them. This makes it easy for sensitive information to fall into the wrong hands and for data breaches to occur.
PaperBased PII in Data Breaches
Despite the common misconception that data breaches only involve digital information, the reality is that paperbased PII is frequently involved. In fact, a study found that paper documents were involved in 75% of data breaches. This is a significant percentage that highlights the importance of protecting both digital and physical information.
One factor that contributes to the high incidence of paperbased PII in data breaches is the widespread use of paper documents in businesses and organizations. While many companies are transitioning to digital records, paper documents are still prevalent in many industries. This means that there is a large amount of sensitive information stored on paper that is at risk of being compromised.
Additionally, the handling of paper documents can also play a role in data breaches. Employees who are not properly trained on data security may mishandle paper documents, leaving them in unsecured locations or failing to dispose of them properly. These lapses in security can lead to data breaches that expose sensitive information to unauthorized individuals.
Protecting PaperBased PII
Given the prevalence of paperbased PII in data breaches, it is important for organizations to take steps to protect this information. One way to do this is through proper training and education for employees on data security best practices. Employees should be trained on the proper handling and disposal of paper documents to minimize the risk of breaches.
In addition to training, organizations should also implement security measures to protect paper documents. This can include storing sensitive information in locked cabinets or safes, restricting access to certain individuals, and implementing policies for the secure disposal of documents. By taking these steps, organizations can reduce the risk of paperbased PII being involved in data breaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the involvement of paperbased PII in data breaches is a significant issue that organizations must address. With the prevalence of paper documents containing sensitive information, it is essential for businesses to take steps to protect this information from falling into the wrong hands. By implementing proper training, security measures, and policies for handling paper documents, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches and safeguard sensitive information.