Important Security Reminder About Protecting Data

By C/A Staff

As many of us have transitioned to working remotely during these unprecedented times, one thing continues to hold true – we strive to provide exceptional service to those who need it the most. Whether that’s a bank customer or internal team member, we need to remember our responsibility to protect and maintain confidential and sensitive information.

What is considered confidential and sensitive information? Basically, any information that you, your bank, or your customer would not want disclosed. Examples of this information include:

  • Customer data (name, address, social security or tax number, account number, credit/debit card number, etc.)
  • Bank data (policies, procedures, strategic plans, proprietary information, regulatory filings, etc.)
  • Passwords

Now, it’s likely your bank has already established policies and procedures on how to handle confidential and sensitive information with care (i.e.– a clean desk policy).  As is common at many banks, documents should be maintained in a secure environment and disposed of in shred bins when no longer needed.    

Those same standards of care apply when working remotely, which most likely is your new home office (in my case – the kitchen table).

Here are a few tips to help you manage in this new environment:

  • Only print bank and customer documents when necessary to do the job.
  • Designate a secure place to store these documents.
    • A desk drawer or file cabinet may work (if it locks – even better!).
    • In a pinch – storage bin, spare trash can, grocery bag, backpack, etc.
    • Don’t leave it out in the open where it could be misplaced or misused.
  • Shred all the documents at home if you have a document shredder.
    • Never just throw a document into the recycle bin or trash without shredding.
  • No shredder – no problem!
    • Just utilize your secure place (second bullet above) until such time as you can return to the office and place them in the shred bin.

As you know, banks and their customers place a great deal of trust in you to protect data. By following the above-mentioned best practices, you’ll be heading down the right path for maintaining that trust.  For more information relating to working from home or the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit Compliance Alliance’s pandemic resource webpage.