Thu, 30 Jul 2009

Poor working practices increase risk of ID fraud

A recent, independent survey by eCopy, a provider of printer document imaging software, has found that most organisations are still photocopying documents containing sensitive data, thereby increasing the risk of data loss and identity fraud.

The study, Effective data protection – reality and risks, was carried out online and surveyed more than 100 senior executives and operational and administrative staff from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The research found that seven in 10 organisations frequently make paper copies of original documentation, with 15% doing so as a matter of course. Nearly one in five frequently make a paper copy, which is then used to make an electronic copy. Many respondents said they make paper copies of documents that contain personal and sensitive information, including correspondence (50%), financial (47%), identification (34%) and legal (30%).

In terms of paper document disposal, nearly seven in 10 organisations recognise the need to shred documents that are no longer required, but one-quarter fail to dispose of documents securely. An alarming 22% recycle them without shredding, while 3% throw paper copies in the bin.

eCopy sales director for the UK and Ireland, Simon Hill, said: ‘The research highlights a need for improved organisational procedures to govern copying of sensitive documentation, its storage and disposal after use.

‘Intuitive document imaging solutions such as eCopy ShareScan eliminate the risk of fraud when disposing of paper documents,’ said Mr Hill. ‘They also improve productivity and enforce better compliance via comprehensive audit trails.’