Data Breaches Continue to Climb in 2019

In the age we live in, technology has become significantly more ingrained in our everyday lives and, consequently, our information is stored in all kinds of places. With corporate and personal information being so omnipresent and accessible, it’s become much more susceptible to hackers. Data breaches reached an all-time high in 2017 in the form of 1,579 reported incidents, where this past year, hackers gained access to around 8 billion consumer records. Now more than ever it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to ensure your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

THE IMPACT OF DATA BREACHES

It’s no secret that a data breach can have lasting impacts on your business. In the first six months of 2019, there were 3,800 publicly disclosed data breaches that led to the exposure of 4.1 billion records. That number marks a 54% increase in the number of reported breaches from the first six months of 2018, and the threats continue to increase. By the later part of 2019 that number climbed to 7.9 billion exposed records, according to the RiskBased Data Breach QuickView Report 2019 Q3. 

From a business perspective, the impacts of a breach can far-reaching. The annual cost of a data breach report claims that, on average, a data breach costs $3.92 million, with the cost of a breach in the healthcare industry topping the list of industry-specific average costs at $6.45 million. 

Financial implications are only a small part of the impact. The business’s reputation often takes the hardest hit. According to a study by KPMG, 19% of consumers said they would completely stop shopping at a retailer after a breach, and 33% said they would take a break from shopping there for an extended period.

Discussed further below are some of the greatest threats to data security, and ways you can make sure they don’t compromise your privacy or that of your company.

Paper Records

A 2017 report found that over half of private consumer information that was stolen was accessed non-digitally, in the form of paper records. In bigger data breaches, even, physical theft was responsible for 1.4 million records being compromised. When storing paper records at home, you want to be sure to keep them organized out of sight so they can’t be easily accessed. It’s wise, too, to scale back on hardcopy records as best as you can across the board, going digital in as many ways as you are able. 

PROTECTING PAPER RECORDS

Getting rid of paper records on your own is tricky, as you risk missing documents and not destroying them effectively. Augusta Data Storage offers NAID AAA Certified secure and trusted shredding. Our process guarantees your information remains confidential through the end of it’s useful life. We also present you with a Certificate of Destruction for compliance purposes. 

GOING PAPER-LESS? AUGUSTA DATA STORAGE CAN HELP

If you’re looking to move away from the constant circulation of paper records and move to a more digital information management system, Augusta Data Storage can help. We offer document imaging and file conversion services to help you bulk-convert your active and archive records and move you seamlessly into digital record keeping. 

SECURE STORAGE FOR YOUR PAPER RECORDS

Augusta Data Storage also offers secure off-site storage for any active or archive records you may need storage for, prior to destruction. Documents stored on a business’ premises could be vulnerable to any number of unforeseeable circumstances, such as a fire, theft, or a flood. Our various safety features ensure that your records stay safe from human and environmental threats, keeping the integrity of your data intact. 

Digital Information

Though the majority of data breaches happen with paper records, still many breaches could be avoided by more effective destruction of hard-drives and other forms of digital storage. Similar to paper records, disposing of digital storage items on your own can be unsafe and often ineffective. For peace of mind, consider a professional electronics shredder, to ensure the complete destruction of the device and thus security of your information. Our Electronic Waste Solutions efficiently take care of your digital waste and recycle it afterward.

Protecting Your Digital Archives & Backups 

For many businesses, the protection of digital assets also means having fail-safes in place, in the event of a breach. Many experts recommend the 3-2-1-1 method; 3 Copies of your information, in 2 different formats, one to be located off-site and one offline. Our secure vault services offer a climate-controlled, restricted entry storage alternative for your off-site digital backups. 

As technology continues to become more intertwined with business and day-to-day life, data breach risk factors will continue to evolve. If your business manages any type of personally identifiable information, digital or hard copy, having a plan in place to maintain the integrity of that information is key. Augusta Storage is proud to offer a variety of Augusta-based options for information protection and destruction. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us today.