7/24*Any time you feel you are being harassed, either at work, school or by an individual in the community the number one thing that you need to do right away is notify the appropriate person of your concerns (boss or their boss, school official, police, etc), but also start a log and record dates, times and what took place and what was said.  This will be very important if any action is taken either administratively or criminally.   

7/17* You are driving by yourself and someone pulls along the side of you and points to your car to indicate that there is something wrong - what do you do?  The first thing you should not do is pull the car over immediately.  Instead, wave and indicate you got the message and continue to drive until you find a location that is well lighted and in view of others - or drive to a service station. Why?  This is one method used by criminals who are looking to victimize females.  Now it might be that there really is a problem and the person is being a concerned citizen, but there is no harm in taking that extra step by waiting to pull over where it is safe. 

7/10* This week's tip will be short and sweet....background checks for all employees.  Sounds simple enough and the process is very easy with many options available, yet there still are many companies and nonprofits that are overlooking this very important step.  The initial cost is not very much considering the risk involved when hiring someone with a questionable past. 

7/3* Safety tips when traveling abroad. Dress down - do not call attention to yourself by dressing like you are an affluent tourist, and leave the expensive looking jewelry at home. Also, travel as light as possible.  Having too much luggage can result in you becoming tired and laying down some luggage where someone can quickly grab it and run. Carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to put them each in a different place rather than all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html 

 

6/26* Do not store personal bank information or passwords on your computer; instead keep them on a flashdrive and store in a safe place. Also, when logging onto websites that will be asking for personal information make sure you are on a secure network.  Do not log into these sites when using a public WiFi system. http://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/13-ways-to-protect-personal-data-from-online-fraud-and-identity-theft/

6/19*When using photographs or other works of another do not overlook copyright laws.  There are companies, such as Attributor and BayTSP that track copyright holders work to see how it is being used.  http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode17/usc_sup_01_17_10_5.html   

6/12* To encourage employee communication and improve morale consider team building activities.   The type of activity is important as it should be one that is decided based on a group decision and not that of management.  This will encourage a motivated participant with a better chance of a positive outcome.

6/5* Are you up to date with the  State and Federal regulations requiring employers to post specific laws where all employees can read? Some of the required postings relate to: Job Safety and Health Protection; Equal Employment Opportunity; Fair Labor Standards Act; Employee Right for Workers with Disabilities/Special Minimum Wage; The Family and Medical Leave Act, and others. The cost of paying a fine far exceeds the costs of posting.  There are a number of companies that sell these posters and can be purchased by State and Federal individually or one poster that has the requirements for both. Contact CORIE if you have any questions.

 6/2* Due to the importance of this article, I am posting an additional tip for this week.  Associated Press NewsBreak reports on the rise of taxpayer identity thefts, stating that in 2010 there were 248,357 incidents.  For full article go to: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110601/ap_on_re_us/us_taxes_identity_theft

5/29* Laptops or PDA's issued to employees often contain sensitive information.  Company policy should clearly define how these devices should be secured, educate about mobile threats, and outline measures to mitigate risk. Company policy should include statements reminding employees not to download confidential company information to portable computing devices unless absolutely necessary.  If confidential information is stored, that information must be deleted as soon as the information is no longer needed. Data and files on portable devices should be encrypted - using company approved encryptions software, and any software programs have to be approved by the company IT department before downloaded into a portable device.

5/22* Reducing the risk of identity theft: Remember it is not only computer hackers you should be concerned about - pay attention what you are throwing into the trash.
•    Log off and password secure when away from your computer
•    Having a party –  lock away personal papers
•    Shred – shred – shred any document that has your name listed before discarding
•    Shred preapproved credit card invitations and unwanted receipts, bills, and account statements
•    When traveling tear and discretely discard receipts: restaurant, gas, ATM, etc.
•    Do not leave mail in mailbox for pickup and remove ASAP when delivered
•    Ask employer how your personal information is secured
•    Pay close attention to your credit card bills each month.

5/15* Google Apps for Government reports that they have FISMA certification for moderate level security.   However, consider the following: (1) in any given email there may be information that is rated at a higher level of security; (2) if wishing to bid on a government contract there could be a requirement to have in place a system that provides for a higher IT security than what Google is now approved for; (3) government often require internet based communications that have a PKI application; and (4) any system used should allow for full control of archived and stored data.

5/8* Using social networks: Protect against identity theft and virus infections when using Facebook by setting all privacy controls to friends only, turn off instant personalization, and avoid apps altogether or use with caution.

5/1* Know what questions you cannot ask in job interviews. For example:
•    Are you a U.S. citizen
•    What is your religion
•    What clubs or social organizations they are members of
•    Avoid asking applicants their age
•    Disabilities an applicant has
A full list can be found at: http://www.focus.com/fyi/hr/30-interview-questions-you-cant-ask-and-30-sneaky-legal-get/

4/24* Going out shopping or to an evening event, go through your wallet and take out identification and credit cards you do not need and store in a safe place at home.  This limits risk of identify theft or credit cards lost in the event your wallet is lost or taken.

4/17* When opting for apps based on convenience and ease do not overlook what you give up in privacy.  Research before downloading.