(ARA) - Recent news headlines are causing concern for many Americans as company data breaches are on the rise. From missing laptops containing employee and customer information to stolen passwords that lead to the loss of proprietary records, many are led to believe that a majority of data breaches occur electronically.
According to a new study commissioned by the Alliance for Secure Business Information (ASBI), this isn’t the case. The Security of Paper Documents in the Workplace study found that 49 percent of respondents whose companies have been affected by a data breach stated one or more of the breaches involved the loss or theft of paper, not electronic, documents. And the problem does not seem to be going away, with 80 percent of respondents polled indicating their company had experienced one or more data breaches in the past 12 months alone.
From small, family-owned businesses to large corporations, data breaches affect businesses of all sizes. In fact, 46 percent of respondents who represent larger companies estimate the annual financial impact of data breaches within their organization to be between $10 to $30 million.
“Everyday, businesses manage highly confidential information that if stolen, can leave the company and its employees, vendors and customers exposed,” says John Fellowes, vice president and general manager of Fellowes, Inc. and a member of the ASBI. “What many fail to realize is that paper documents are just as vulnerable to a breach as electronic documents.”
Key findings from the study reveal a need for companies to take tighter controls on how they manage their paper trail through stronger enforcement of security policies. For example:
* According to 56 percent of respondents, more than half of their organizations’ sensitive or confidential information is contained within paper documents.
* Sixty-one percent of those surveyed stated there are not enough resources and controls available to secure paper documents.
* Fifty-seven percent of respondents reported that it is more difficult to control access to paper documents than it is to control access to electronic documents.
In fact, the ASBI was formed in response to this issue and the need for awareness and education for businesses and employees about how to protect confidential information in the workplace. Members include: Fellowes, Inc., Ponemon Institute, Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) and John Sileo, a leading business security speaker.
It is important to remember that protecting proprietary information at work not only protects a company, but ultimately protects you. The ASBI recommends the following tips to protect your company and yourself from a data breach:
Practical Tips for the Office:
* Shred all proprietary information with a cross-cut shredder. Desk side shredders are ideal for business professionals that regularly handle sensitive information including legal, accounting, human resource or finance departments. Commercial shredders are best for shared spaces including shared printing or copying areas where large volumes of sensitive information are created.
* Develop office guidelines for all employees that outline the proper procedures for protecting sensitive information.
* Keep all sensitive information and files locked away. Restrict access to those who need it and closely watch your files.
* Ensure all company computers have the most up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. Also, check to make sure wireless networks are protected with the proper security settings.
* Limit the use of Social Security numbers in the workplace. Don’t use Social Security numbers on items such as employee identification badges, time cards or paychecks.
* Avoid leaving documents in communal copiers, shared printing spaces, conference rooms or other open areas for extended periods of time.
* Commit your passwords to memory instead of writing them down. In addition, do not use your date of birth for your passwords, and change them frequently.
* At the end of each work day, all employees should log off their computers and lock their workstations or office doors. All confidential documents should be filed away rather than left at one’s desk.
For more information on ASBI, and to learn how to protect businesses’ confidential information, visit www.fellowes.com/asbi.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
——————————————————————————–
EDITOR’S NOTE:
The web-based survey was launched Aug. 12, 2008 and was closed Aug. 21, 2008. Debriefing of respondents and analysis was completed Aug. 30, 2008. The margin of error on all adjective scale and Yes/No/Unsure responses is less than or equal to 3.5 percent. The final sample consisted of 819 individuals who work in IT operations, IT security, data protection and compliance in large organizations in a variety of industries.
How Today’s Businesswomen Strike a Work-life Balance
(ARA) - Gone are the days when women were expected to stay at home to dote on their children and husbands. Today’s women have broken through the glass ceiling and are finding their way to corner offices around the country.
Juggling life both inside and outside the home can be a challenge — that’s why it’s important to strike the proper balance between work and personal lives. Luckily, there are specific strategies that women can implement to strike a healthier balance.
Find Work that Works
With today’s struggling economy and families requiring dual incomes, finding an employer that offers flexibility is often the key to both a successful career and personal life. And finding employers with this approach may be easier than you think. For example, The HON Company, a leading manufacturer of office furniture, understands the importance of family and instills a culture that enables work-life balance. Beyond creating quality office furniture that creates a comfortable, flexible and “home-like” work setting, HON offers its members perks such as flexible spending accounts to help offset the costs of daycare, local YMCA fitness center allowances and family-oriented activities.
“A member committee plans monthly outings and provides opportunities for members to purchase discounted passes for local family events,” says Tim Heth, vice president of member and community relations for HON. “Additionally, members are allotted one hour of paid volunteer time each week to utilize in any way they wish — from local Habitat for Humanity projects to their children’s PTA. Each benefit helps improve employee morale for both our female and male members.”
“Make sure you go to work with someone that has the same philosophy as you do,” says Tammy Vasilatos, owner of Tammy Vasilatos CPA, LLC, a 100 percent female accounting firm in El Paso, Tex. Vasilatos has created a family-friendly work atmosphere by offering flexible work schedules to her employees. She adds, “Don’t give up what you want, because you don’t need to do that anymore. The women before us had to, but we don’t.”
“I am more understanding of the importance of work-life balance,” says Michelle Horan, president and owner of Salka Office Furniture, a full-service office dealer in Meridian, Conn. “I am very flexible with hours and time off. I believe that taking care of good employees and customers is what leads to success.”
Set Realistic Time Schedules
While work deadlines are a necessary evil that you must complete, will anything bad happen if the dishes don’t get done or the bed isn’t made every day? No - so don’t sweat the small stuff.
Start each week with a realistic “to-do list” for both your work and home life. Check yourself each day to ensure that you are making progress and that your time allowances are in check. By the end of the work week, if you’ve completed enough tasks each day, your weekend can truly be enjoyed. And don’t sweat it if you didn’t get to the household chores. If you need to, you can hire a professional cleaning or landscaping service.
Leave Work at Work
With cell phones, laptops, PDAs and home offices, it has become blurry when the workday begins and ends. Be sure to separate your personal time from professional time by turning off your connections to the working world and turning on your connections with your family and friends.
Learn to Say No
If you’re a parent, you are probably a pro at saying “no” to your kids, so learn how to respectfully say no to projects that don’t fit within your schedule. Whether it’s taking the lead on a project at work, or coaching a soccer team, it’s okay to say no to projects that will bring you more stress than joy. As long as you are honest with your employers, they will most likely understand.
“Don’t be embarrassed or apologetic that you want to have both a career and a family,” adds Vasilatos. “Employers just want good quality work.” Plus, if you are in over your head, you may not be putting in your best work anyway.
While striking a work-life balance in today’s fast-paced world isn’t an easy task, by following these few guidelines, it is possible. “Now is a wonderful time to be a woman in the workforce,” says Vasilatos. “You really can have it all!”
For more information on The HON Company, visit www.HON.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Make Smart Spending, Saving a Family Resolution
(ARA) – With the economic crisis hitting everyone in the pocketbook, it’s more important than ever for parents to talk to their children about how to manage money. New Year’s — a prime resolution time for millions of Americans — is a great time for children and their parents to learn better spending and savings practices together.
Forty-six percent of American families hold a credit card balance according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2004 statistics. And in 2007, more than 800,000 bankruptcy cases were filed in the United States.
Managing money is a family affair. By resolving to set financial goals and working together to practice management, families can enjoy independence and security. “Parents and their children can learn from and challenge each other to plan better ways to use the money they earn and save,” says Scott Oberkrom, director of Community Investments at American Century Investments.
As families sit down to discuss their financial resolution, they need to determine how the changes will affect each member. Once the resolution is finalized, post it in a public place so all members can see it every day. Visit www.YesYouCanOnline.info to learn more on how to make sure resolutions stick.
Some tips families can incorporate into their smart money management resolution include:
1. Financial responsibility starts with examples from home.
Parents need to evaluate their budgets and make wise spending choices — don’t buy a new speed boat if you just told the kids you couldn’t afford to get them a new iPod. Share the family budget with your children to demonstrate how money doesn’t grow on trees and the family has regular expenses that must be paid.
2. Set up allowances for children.
Once your children are old enough to understand basic math, an allowance can help them learn how to budget, spend and save. Parents can also set up allowances for themselves. Showing the children that Mom and Dad fit haircuts, buying lunch or shopping for new clothes for themselves within a weekly cash budget gives children the best example of wise money management.
3. Take a trip to the bank and organize savings accounts.
Children — and many adults, it seems — need to be taught how to save money. Take the whole family to the bank to set up savings accounts. Decide as a team what goal you’re saving toward. Parents should consider saving to help secure the family in case of a financial crisis. Kids’ accounts could be earmarked for college tuition or to buy their first car.
4. Teach kids creative ways to earn money.
A hobby could become an income-generator for all members of the family. Perhaps you have a tremendous green thumb. And maybe you have your children help tend the vegetables and pull the weeds in the garden. The entire family can turn this hobby into a small income by taking the produce to farmers markets or setting up a neighborhood stand.
All New Year’s resolutions take work, but they can be accomplished if all family members share in the effort. Having all family members work together, giving encouragement and little reminders, also can help you stay on track.
“Setting goals, both at New Year’s and throughout the year, is one way people can achieve their dreams,” says James Stowers, founder of American Century Investments. “As I reflect on what I have learned through the years, I am convinced that anyone — and I mean anyone — can become what they are absolutely determined to be.”
Make 2009 the year your family resolves to take charge of your money management together. Visit www.YesYouCanOnline.info for additional tips.
Courtesy of ARAcontent.com
Garner, N.C. – Tom Jones Drug, Compounding, Home Medical and Nutrition Center, a community health care resource for the past 34 years, has selected S&A Cherokee as its public relations agency of record.
S&A Cherokee helped promote the relocation of Tom Jones Drug to its new location at the corner of Timber Drive and Vandora Springs Road in Garner and will continue promoting the company’s numerous services.
“I’m excited about working with a public relations agency and tapping into their media expertise,” said owner Tom Jones, R.Ph. “We’re a multidimensional company, and S&A Cherokee will help us spread the word about our customized drug compounding, orthotics, home medical equipment, matching prescription prices, free delivery, and much more.”
Tom Jones opened his first pharmacy in Garner in 1974 and now works with his daughter, Caroline Hodges, R.Ph., at the new 4,000-square-foot facility with a 21st-century look and expanded product line. Earlier this year, Tom Jones Drug was awarded accreditation status by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC) for the service of Home Medical Equipment.
“Tom Jones Drug has been a Garner institution for decades, and we look forward to helping them expand their customer base to eastern Wake County, Johnston County and beyond,” said Ron Smith, founder and president of S&A Cherokee.
For more information on S&A Cherokee, please call (919) 674-6020 or visit www.sacherokee.com. For information about Tom Jones Drug, visit www.tomjonesdrug.com.
Read More:CarolinaNewsWire
(ARA) – If you’re torn between your concern for the environment and your need to make a living, good news is on the horizon. Rising demand for environmentally friendly alternatives for fossil fuels is opening up new career opportunities for professionals in a variety of fields.
Growing environmental concern and limited fossil fuel supplies are driving the growth of domestic and international markets for renewable energy systems, the U.S. Department of Energy reports. Rising demand for cleaner energy directly affects career opportunities in industries related to renewable resources.
“The 2008 economic forecast suggests that one of the newest, fastest growing markets for jobs will be alternative energy,” says Sheryl Decker, director of career services at Brown Mackie College – South Bend, Ind. Decker recently attended a business outlook panel presented by Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. “Growth opportunities appear in companies that are exploring the use of wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower and bioenergy power technologies.”
Millions of professionals already work in alternative energy industries, yet more are needed, including:
* chemists
* engineers
* sales and marketing professionals
* administrators
* managers
* clerical workers
* human resources
* information technology
* business
* finance
* law
“Professionals who are already in the workforce, and students seeking to enter into a green career, can prepare with a number of degree programs and continuing education courses,” Decker says. “Many different types of skills can be applied to these upcoming industries.”
“Alternative energy companies are seeking professionals to fill a wide variety of positions, including mechanical engineer, project manager, programmer analyst, IT sourcing specialist, administrative assistant and marketing director,” she says.
”Business Week” magazine reports that a growing number of professionals are moving to jobs in renewable energy fields to promote their own personal environmental concerns. While some intend to transfer existing skills to a different industry, others are making a mid-life career change simply to become part of the solution for the many environmental issues we face today.
The rising cost of oil is proving to be a catalyst for the further development of alternative energy sources. While substantial growth is happening now, Decker points out that many people don’t yet realize the opportunities it affords.
“People tend to overlook many untapped markets and job opportunities in their local employment arenas,” she says. “Networking can be an effective way to gauge the hiring needs in your area. I encourage everyone to join industry-specific organizations, volunteer in community activities, and become involved with the Chamber of Commerce. By becoming involved in the community and networking, you will see new doors opening with different job opportunities.”
To learn more about career training opportunities in alternative energy, and how to prepare for working in this quickly growing business sector, visit www.brownmackie.edu.
(NewsUSA) - America’s private, job-based benefits system is one of the most successful in the world. The benefit plans within the system hold more than $6.1 trillion in assets and cover approximately 150 million workers, retirees and their families. The job-based benefits that give millions of workers health coverage and the opportunity to enjoy a financially secure retirement are more critical than ever.
Since 2001, the Labor Department has made great gains in its efforts to safeguard the pension, health and other employee benefits crucial to millions of workers. And we are continuing to improve the system to make benefits more accessible and secure.
This administration succeeded in enacting the Pension Protection Act of 2006 - the most sweeping reforms of retirement plan rules in over three decades. These reforms have improved the solvency and the transparency of traditional pension plans, better ensuring that retirement promises made to workers are kept.
We are boosting participation in 401(k) and similar plans through automatic enrollment, helping many more workers and their families build a nest egg for a secure and comfortable retirement. We are also making it easier for workers to get quality, professional investment advice to inform their retirement savings decisions.
And the Labor Department’s efforts have produced record-setting results. Since 2001, our enforcement and outreach programs have yielded monetary results of nearly $11 billion on behalf of workers and retirees and have led to the indictment of more than 800 individuals for crimes involving benefit plans.
In addition, the participant assistance program handled nearly 1.3 million inquiries that helped individuals understand their benefit programs and recovered nearly $545 million to pay pension and health benefits of working families.
The Department’s successful stewardship benefits millions of Americans, both as workers and investors. The Department of Labor put the tools in place for workers to plan and save for their retirement, and now it is up to each of us to save so we can achieve our retirement dreams. For more information or assistance, call 1-866-444-3272 or visit the Web site at www.dol.gov/ebsa today.
GARNER, N.C. — ASC Signal Corporation, (formerly Andrew Corporation Satellite Communications Group), today announced an agreement with Globecomm Systems, Inc. (GSI) to supply commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) antenna products. As GSI’s strategic partner and supplier, ASC Signal was selected to provide antenna products that support the recent major award to GSI by a global multilateral organization, which offers a potential revenue of $30 million over a three-year period.
ASC Signal’s antenna products allow Globecomm Systems to deliver a range of enhanced services and offer further support to their global customer. ASC’s antenna products will be supplied under a three-year IDIQ (Indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity) contract. These products include:
- 3.9 Meter F-1 compliant C-band Trifold® transportable antenna product
- 4.9 Meter Intelsat E-2 Ku-band type approved motorizable antenna
ASC Signal’s 3.9 meter antenna features a wide range of adjustment with the ability to view geostationary satellites, horizon-to-horizon, from any location worldwide. Its unique Trifold® reflector panels are cut from a single piece of precision spun aluminum.
Additionally, the innovative 4.9 meter Intelsat E-2 type approved Ku-band earth station antenna was developed for maximum accuracy and versatility. This low-maintenance antenna features a dual reflector Gregorian system that provides excellent pattern characteristics and high gain. Equipped with a self-aligning main reflector, it is also capable of reception and transmission for quad-band C-band, X-band, Ku-band and Ka-band configurations.
Previously, ASC Signal has supplied antenna products to GSI for the company’s other global projects. ASC Signal was selected by GSI due to its strong reputation and industry leading product line.
Dr. Russell Dearnley - Vice President, Earth Station Antennas and Solutions for ASC Signal, stated, “Being selected by GSI validates our shared goals of sustaining excellent customer service on a worldwide level.” He continued, “We are proud to provide GSI with our products. As we continue our dynamic growth, we are looking forward to building upon our existing synergistic relationship and collaborating with GSI on future projects.”
Read More:CarolinaNewsWire
RALEIGH, NC - On June 25th, the Greater Raleigh Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) showcased the growth of women-owned businesses in the Triangle at their 30th Anniversary Red Carpet Gala and Awards Ceremony. The black-tie event was held at Brier Creek Country Club. Kim Genardo, political reporter and host of “At Issue” on NBC 17, emceed the awards ceremony honoring the chapter’s finest.
The 2007-2008 Greater Raleigh NAWBO awards were presented to:
Rising Star Award - Debra Rezeli, owner of 2D Designs, Inc.
The Best Supporting Member (aka the Rising Star Award) recognizes the accomplishments of one new member who has joined NAWBO within 18 months of nomination and who has supported the Greater Raleigh NAWBO Chapter through active participation in meetings, events and committees, promotion, and networking.
Mary Diener Spirit Award - Leslie McMillan, owner of LSM Insurance Associates
The Mary Diener Spirit Award, named after the first Greater Raleigh NAWBO president, recognizes the accomplishments of one outstanding NAWBO member who exemplifies the spirit of NAWBO and has worked to practice, innovate, and effect changes by supporting and establishing the presence for NAWBO.
Woman Business Owner of the Year - Donna Peery, Principal of Five Star Staffing & Accounting Recruiters
The Best Business Owner of the Year Award recognizes the accomplishments of one outstanding NAWBO member who has used creative initiatives to overcome obstacles, create jobs, grow a successful business, and help her community.
Read More:CarolinaNewsWire
(ARA) – What do a recent global crackdown on Internet child pornography and the arrest of Dennis Rader, the infamous “BTK” serial killer have in common with the Sept. 11 attacks on America? All are high profile crimes investigated not only by conventional police investigators, but by those specially trained in computer forensics, a new area of crime fighting.
Computer forensics is a branch of forensic science pertaining to legal evidence found in computers and digital storage mediums. Experts in this field investigate data storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives, CD-ROMS, floppy disks, etc., identifying, preserving and analyzing documentary and other digital evidence.
While most of the attention given to people working in this field comes from the work they do with police to help solve high profile crimes, that is not the only role they play. Individual companies are hiring forensic computer experts to perform such roles as determining the root cause of a hacker attack, collecting evidence legally admissible in court, and protecting corporate assets and reputations from crimes such as white-collar fraud.
Andrew Hildebrand, CPA, CVA, JD and dean of business programs at DeVry University in Fort Washington, Penn., offers this example of just how important a computer forensics expert’s role is in a corporate investigation of financial crime. “First a CPA would be contacted by an attorney to work on proving financial fraud. The CPA would need to have financial records and data, some of which may be in electronic format,” he says.
“Many times in these types of fraud cases, the suspect has attempted to cover-up the crime by deleting various documents, such as MS Word memos and MS Excel spreadsheets,” Hildebrand adds. “Once the accountants have some idea of what they are looking for, we can work with the computer forensics professional to recover the deleted material. During every step from seizure of the computer through to court testimony, the computer forensics professional will use their expertise to ensure that the data is recovered and the laws of evidence are respected.”
Realizing the growing need for trained professionals with this area of expertise, schools such as DeVry University, one of the country’s largest, publicly held, degree-granting higher education systems in the U.S., have developed special degree programs to train the experts of tomorrow. DeVry University offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree program in Computer Information Systems with a specialized track in computer forensics that can be completed in three years. As they are pursuing their degree, students learn how to follow the trail of computer clues that are left behind when someone commits a crime of technology. They also learn how to document evidence and how to coordinate with law enforcement to track the movements of the bad guys.
“Students will be prepared for jobs such as security auditor, security specialist, security administrator, security analyst, Web security manager, security director, digital forensic investigator, privacy officer and compliance officer,” says Rajin Koonjbearry, an instructor at DeVry University in Dallas. “These jobs are in high demand and will continue to grow because of new and changing regulatory requirements.”
Among the career avenues available for students graduating with a specialization in computer forensics:
* Law Enforcement. Police departments and sheriff’s offices nationwide are looking for computer forensics professionals to help them investigate computer-related crimes.
* Corporate. Those with a computer forensics background can help companies protect their computer systems from outside attacks.
* Private Organizations. Any private organization with its own network needs computer forensics professionals to maintain surveillance on their systems.
* Software Programmers. The advice that the computer forensics degree holder can provide a software company about the stability of their programs is always welcomed.
“We are responding to the changing IT industry in order to ensure DeVry University graduates are prepared to excel in emerging industry areas,” says Eddie Wachter, Ph.D., dean of academic affairs at DeVry University Central Florida. “Professionals who know how to protect companies and consumers from cyber crime will be in great demand in our increasingly networked world, and the new specialized options give our students the edge in this evolving industry.”
To learn more about DeVry University’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) degree program, log on to http://www.DeVry.edu .
(NewsUSA) - The latest “flavor of the week” in federal immigration enforcement bills is the Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act, which relies on the electronic employment verification system (EEVS), which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) calls “E-Verify.”
EEVS sounds easy. Employees fill out an I-9 form proving that they are authorized to work in the U.S. The employer enters this information into a computer, which searches the Social Security Administration (SSA) and DHS databases. If the information provided matches the database, the employee is eligible to work. If not, the employee has a short time to fix the glitch with SSA; if they do not, they must be terminated.
The SAVE Act would require the country’s 7.4 million employers to participate in a mandatory EEVS program. Currently, 55,000 employers use E-Verify - fewer than 1 percent of employers. Adding over 7 million employers to the E-Verify program would cause widespread chaos:
U.S. citizens would be adversely affected: Employees who receive a non-confirmation from E-Verify are often fully eligible to work. The error may be due to a name change, adjustment of immigration status or a data-entry error. SSA estimates that 17.8 million of its records contain such discrepancies - an error rate of 4.1 percent.
E-Verify spurs discrimination: Contrary to state policy, 47 percent of employers using E-Verify entered their employees’ information before the employee’s first day of work rather than after hiring, as required by law.
These employers, fearful of fines and hassles involved with non-confirmation notices, racially profile their prospective employees to begin with and avoid hiring those who appear foreign-born, or refuse to hire those who do not “pass” the E-Verify test. Others encourage those who receive non-confirmations to not contest them; still others take advantage of the non-confirmation status to require their workers to work longer hours under poorer conditions.
It is clear that E-Verify is not ready for prime time. Neither the DHS nor SSA databases have reached the level of accuracy required for a mandatory electronic employment verification system to function fairly and efficiently. Rather than enacting harsh new “enforcement only” measures like the SAVE Act, Congress should get back to the hard work of enacting smart, workable immigration reform that serves America’s interests by protecting employees and employers alike.
For more information, visit The American Immigration Lawyers Association at www.aila.org.
