In a story unfortunately similar to our previous post about improperly disposed personal documents in the United Kingdom, an American security company is suspected to have made the same mistake.
First Coast News reports that a janitor for Guardsmark, a security company based in Jacksonville, Florida, brought over 100 confidential employee files to its news station yesterday evening. She claims that she found the collection in the garbage.
The files, though dated back more than 10 years, contain sensitive background information, Social Security numbers, fingerprints, pictures and other personally identifying data. Before bringing them to First Coast News, the unidentified woman claims to have stored the files in her home for 11 months.
When contacted, a Guardsmark official claimed that the files were stolen and that the company had no knowledge the files were missing. While the company says it will review the situation, no statement was made regarding the future of the documents, whether they will be shredded, or if they’ve been used in any known instances of identity theft.
Without a proper procedure for tracking and protecting employee information, businesses like Guardsmark could put themselves at serious risk for fraud. These two stories emphasize the importance of comprehensive data security and what can happen without it. Electronic Verification Systems specializes in integrating comprehensive fraud prevention solutions into already existing security processes, adding safety, convenience and compliance to everyday business procedures.