5 tips for security of your data

1. be extra vigilant when giving out personal information - it’s easy for criminals to fake email addresses, websites, headed paper and other methods of communication.
2. When you move address, make sure you tell your bank and other organisations in advance, and arrange for the Royal Mail to redirect your mail.
3. Make sure you have all personal information shredded and preferably cross shredded by a industrial paper shredding service. Named individuals with addresses, bank accounts, National Insurance details, salary information, and old bank cards are vulnerable.
4. Delete any suspicious emails from organisations requesting personal information from you (banks will never ask for personal details by email)
5. Tell the Royal Mail if you suspect your mail is going missing.

Preparing an encrypted drive on your memory stick

1. Visit TrueCrypt http://www.truecrypt.org/downloads.php - and download the version for your computer type. This is an open source programme that we want to share with you. There is a beginner’s tutorial to follow which is very helpful.

data loss protection measures

Written by Nigel Hawthorn, EMEA marketing vice president at Blue Coat Systems

The Information Commissioner now has the power to levy fines on those who recklessly lose confidential or personal information.  The level of fines is still to be decided but could run to millions of pounds. At a time of economic woe, it is a shame the government has had to resort to such tactics but perhaps it is necessary for the issue to get the attention it deserves. Organisations trading on a global scale will also need the best policies for worldwide customers and suppliers – so bringing UK legislation in line with the best in the world makes sense.  In addition, the rise of Web 2.0 applications such as MySpace and Facebook mean hidden malware can be installed on end points to harvest personal information.

Thank you to all our customers

I want to say a big thank you to all my customers who have continued to support CDDS throughout 2008 and that I hope to continue to give my best service as usual. I am offering a special deal for 2009 for any recommendations of my services to a new customer. As usual I am providing an award to the customer who recycles the most this year. Jonathan Woodroffe.

ID Cards

The Government is bringing forward its plans to launch identity cards to the British public.

Eager to stress the benefits of ID cards, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today announced that British nationals will be able to get the cards on a voluntary basis this year.

Those benefits include increased protection against identity fraud for the individual and help in protecting our communities against criminals, illegal immigrants and terrorists trying to exploit multiple identities.”

Welcome to our new announcement blog!

We will post any announcements or information in this blog for your reference, so please check back regularly.

Thank you - the CDDS team