Data Breach Tips For Small Businesses

The Identity Theft Resource Center lists more than 79 million records reported compromised in the United States in 2007 -- almost a fourfold increase from the nearly 20 million records reported compromised in 2006. The cause of the data breaches ranged in sophistication from the expert work of computer hackers to the negligent handling of sensitive information on the part of company employees.

So far 2008 looks a lot like 2007. There have already been major data breaches at some very recognizable companies such as MTV and T. Rowe Price. However, just because a business isn’t part of the Fortune 500 doesn’t mean it is safe from the risk of a security breach, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) wants small businesses to be prepared to handle a breach if the business’ or customers’ financial information is stolen.

“While breaches at major corporations make the news, many small businesses also find themselves victims of security breaches,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “Sensitive financial information on both a business and its customers can be compromised by poor handling of computer or paper data or stolen by thieves and hackers, and small business owners must be prepared to respond quickly to lessen the damage done.”

Regardless of how a data breach occurs, responding quickly can help a business regain trust and retain its customer base. BBB offers the following steps and guidance for small business owners in the event they experience a security breach:

Notify Customers

Currently, 39 states have laws that require customer notification in the event personal data is lost, stolen, or inadvertently disclosed, and these laws may expand to a national level soon. Many states require companies to notify their customers of any data breach. Other states require notification when harm to potential victims is likely. Even if the law does not require it, businesses should strongly consider the advantages of giving notice to customers whose information was compromised.

If a business chooses to inform customers about a security breach, it should

  • Describe the nature of the incident.
  • Inform them what has been done to address the problem.
  • Advise them on what the company will do in the future to further reduce the chance of future security breaches.

Notify Law Enforcement and Other Authorities

If a breach occurs, it is important that the business alert appropriate law enforcement officials immediately so they can investigate the incident. This could include local police, state authorities, or even the FBI. BBB recommends that companies check with their legal advisors for counsel now, so that in the event a breach does happen, the business is prepared to contact the appropriate local law enforcement agency quickly.

BBB also recommends alerting the three national consumer reporting agencies: Equifax (www.equifax.com, TransUnion (www.transunion.com) and Experian (www.experian.com).

Businesses should also alert the bank or company hired to process payment cards. It’s important that the compromised accounts are watched or closed to prevent fraud from occurring on them. Unfortunately, businesses could be liable for any resulting fraud, so quick notification to payment card companies can help.

Customer Support

If a breach occurs, BBB advises that businesses:

  • Encourage customers to monitor their credit reports for signs of identity theft. If a business can afford the expense, it should consider paying for a credit monitoring service for affected customers for a designated period of time (generally 6-12 months).
  • Recommend that any customer experiencing or suspecting identity theft alerts the business, files a police report, and notifies the three national consumer reporting agencies.

Featured

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

  • Report: Nearly 1 in 5 Healthcare Leaders Say Cyberattacks Have Impacted Patient Care

    Omega Systems, a provider of managed IT and security services, today released new research that reveals the growing impact of cybersecurity challenges on leading healthcare organizations and patient safety. According to the 2025 Healthcare IT Landscape Report, 19% of healthcare leaders say a cyberattack has already disrupted patient care, and more than half (52%) believe a fatal cyber-related incident is inevitable within the next five years. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.