Friday 4 April, 2008

Businesses advised to protect themselves from identity fraud following BBC documentary

In the wake of last night's BBC One documentary on the increasing problem of identity fraud in the UK, the British Security Industry Association is advising businesses to take preventative measures to protect themselves from identity fraudsters.

Anthony Pearlgood, BSIA Information Destruction Section Chairman, comments: "Last night's documentary highlighted the increasing issue of identity fraud in this country. Whilst the programme focussed on individuals, businesses are equally at risk from identity fraud which can have lasting financial and reputational effects."

Basic preventative measures can make all the difference in protecting your business' confidential information and that of your customers. Tops tips on how to do this include:

·        Dispose of confidential material using the services of a professional information destruction company that is inspected to British Standard 8470.

·        If you're moving premises, use the Royal Mail's Business Redirection Service to direct your mail from your old address to your new one for at least a year.

·        Protect your business' details at Companies House and the personal information of your directors by using Companies House' 3 point plan.

·        Make sure that your IT security systems are comprehensively secured. Firewalls, anti-virus and anti-phishing software are all vital to protecting your network and password protection is key.

·        Ensure that not only you, but also the third party companies that you employ, comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.

A new website - www.preventidfraud.org.uk - has been created by the British Security Industry Association to provide further advice on protecting your business from identity fraud. The site is endorsed by various members of the Identity Fraud Consumer Awareness Group: Call Credit, Card Watch, CIFAS – the UK's Fraud Prevention Service, Experian, Operation Sterling, Equifax, Retailers Against Crime, Royal Mail and the Scottish Business Crime Centre.