Security

Ensuring the records that your organization has collected and created are secure is important. Follow best practices for the secure storage of personal information.

How to Safely Store Personal Information

Always use passwords on computers, cell phones, email, and voice mail.

Ensure sensitive information is not left unattended. Records should be locked in a storage room, in filing cabinets, or in desk drawers with controls over who has access to keys or lock combinations.

Computers or work stations should be in a secure area. If you leave your workstation, even for a minute, lock your computer screen or log out.

Your laptop should have a cable lock, or your office door should be locked when you are not in your office.

Ensure personal information is not left unattended in unsecured areas while being worked on, during transit, or while in short-term temporary storage.

Limit access to all records. Only the right person should be accessing records when needed. Use an access log to keep track of who accessed the records if the information is sensitive.

Make security a priority if you are working out of the office. Take the minimum amount of the personal information outside the office.