Data security is a top priority and concern for State Collection Service, and arguably should be for all businesses alike. When you consider the vital data you store, process, and transmit- from financial to consumer private information- it’s not difficult to realize the serious damage a breach would cause your organization. With a few basic security principles, you can help mature your security posture.

Establish strong password policy

Yes, it is annoying when your password must be changed so frequently, but deploying a strong password policy is probably the easiest principle to strengthen security. Avoid using personal data (e.g., birthdates) sequence of characters of numbers (e.g., Hello123), and letters that are close to one-another on a keyboard (e.g., qwerty). Regularly change your password; the industry standard is every 90-days. Never write down nor share your password with anyone; even your friendly IT Help Desk!

Deploy anti-virus software and regular updates

Anti-virus and anti-malware software is essential, as it’s the last line of defense. The anti-virus software must also provide daily updates to virus definitions. Regular updates/patches to your operating system ties together with regular anti-virus updates/scans. This principle keeps you up-to-date on recent security fixes.

Educate your employees

Teach your employees about safe online habits and proactive care. It’s rather commonplace to click on a link or download something believed to be harmless; however, this is the most common way that malware ends up on your computer/network. Make sure your employees understand it’s their job too, not just the IT’s, to take measures to protect company data.

I could go on, as there are a handful more important security principles, but I’m sure I’ve already brought on a yawn. So, please feel free to drop me a note at jimw@stcol.com if you have any further questions or concerns.

Since 1949, State Collection Service has provided quality collection service to countless healthcare organizations.

Through experience and innovation, State Collection Service has grown to become a tremendously credible and nationally-recognized collection agency offering services from pre-registration to bad debt. It is upon the basis of ethical behavior and a dedication to integrity that each State Collection Service employee works to uphold the company’s vision – Partnerships for a Lifetime.

*This article first appeared in “A State Collection Service, Inc. Newsletter Volume 23, Issue 3, Third Quarter 2017”