With the recent news coverage about data escaping government offices and posing potential security failures, more customers are feeling a little insecure about their personal information.

As a customer service representative, you may think that you don’t need to worry about these security problems because of the nature of your job. But there are a few practices you can implement to make sure that no personal data escapes your agency:

1. Don’t copy any data to your laptop, PDA or cell phone. You may bring these electronics to work with you, but be sure to keep the data within the confines of your secure agency. The security that you may have on your personal electronics is probably not as impenetrable, nor are they monitored by the Information Technology (IT) department in your agency. Because of this, they are most likely more susceptible to outside attacks.
2. Keep your work inside your office. Don’t be tempted to take sensitive data home, or anywhere else, to work on. Removing data from the office always poses a security risk. If you have extra work that you want to catch up on, talk to your supervisor about arranging times when it’s best to complete that work.
3. Use only a secure server. If you do receive permission to work on your personal computer or laptop outside of your office, make sure you’re accessing the Internet with a secure server. Don’t use just any old default connection that’s available. Use a password-protected connection that you or someone you know and trust created.

Filed under: Customer Service Corner