Issue 2 2009 > The Green Way to Data Privacy
The Green Way to Data Privacy
Identity Theft is on the Rise
Alarmingly, it is estimated that 40% of businesses risk their clients’ identities by discarding sensitive customer information without due care. If sensitive information gets into the wrong hands, it can be used to steal a person’s identity. Personal data is obtained in a variety of ways and companies have a legal obligation to protect it.
The Data Protection Act, along with country-specific regulations, legally compels companies to maintain accurate controls over the use of personal information to ensure the security of that data. Name and address details, telephone numbers, bank statements, health records, loan details, etc. are all examples of sensitive information. Sensitive information can also be embedded in computer databases, active and archived paper files.
The difficulty that companies face is to draw the distinction between what is and what is not confidential. Consequently, many organizations are now treating all information as confidential and are taking the necessary steps to meet compliance and reduce their risks.
Corporate Social Responsibility is Imperative
In today's environment, most organizations are striving to prove that they are socially aware and that they have a formal Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in place. This is achieved in the way that businesses conduct themselves, with corporate initiatives ranging from community outreach and health and safety programs to reducing its impact on the environment.
Most businesses are keen to promote the efforts they are taking to reduce their environmental impact. In fact, many businesses are required to demonstrate their environmental credentials to their clients, service partners and other stakeholders. Demonstrating these credentials is actually a key element of the ISO 14001 Environmental Accreditation process.
Benefits of Being Socially Responsible
- Guides stakeholders on the values which drive the conduct of an organization
- Enhances corporate image and brand value
- Improves customer loyalty
- Creates preferred supplier status
- Increases employee satisfaction, recruitment and retention
- Provides a competitive differentiator in the marketplace
Setting standards to ensure organizations are minimizing their consumption of natural resources begins by knowing its current impact. A major step toward this effort is monitoring paper consumption and output.