Dear Members and Friends

Just like cyber security risks are applicable to all companies whatever their size, disposing of paper waste is a business risk that needs managing.

Read on for practical tips to do just that from your fellow member, Shred-it.

Thanks and have another great week ahead.

Best regards
Victor Mills
Chief Executive

Physical Data Security: The Risks of 3rd Party Vendors and How to Mitigate Them

Even if your workplace has strong security policies, the lax security habits of an employee or poor process of an external vendor could lead to a data breach, making it important to remain vigilant about disposal habits – particularly paper.

Three Tips:

Beware of cleaning teams
Cleaning teams often operate outside normal business hours. This means documents left unsecured are more prone to unauthorised access. Documents left in unsecured recycle bins or waste bins are often removed, collected and then taken to be sold to the rag-and-bone man. Breaches caused by paper are less easy to trace but cause serious reputational damage. Ensure cleaners are banned from removing any office paper.

Are they a recycling company offering a destruction service?
Beware  the  recycler  offering  secure  destruction.   Data  security is  not   the  key  consideration  of  a  recycling  company.  They make more money  from paper that  is not shredded, a conflict of  interest  which   should   be  carefully  considered.

Are their employees security-cleared? Are their procedures for collection and destruction secure at every step? Have they been involved in a data breach in the past, whether directly or indirectly? Do they sub contract?

Use OSPAR Certified Organisations
The Association of Banks in Singapore makes it mandatory for financial institutions to have external vendors audited by an independent auditor. The Outsourced Services Providers Audit Report (OSPAR) standardises the controls external vendors should have in place. To keep data safe, use OSPAR certified vendors. 

The Power of Humour & Laughter During Crises, 11 October 2017
TEDx speaker, Eyal Eltawil, will demonstrate how humour can help you and your employees deal with challenges both in the workplace and in your personal lives. Read more

Design Thinking: Strategy for Innovation, 12 October 2017
This seminar will allow you to gain a deeper appreciation of the potential of Design Thinking as a methodology for business innovation.  Read more

Financial Well-being in the Workplace: 13 October 2017
Find out how you can help create an optimal workplace environment that addresses the financial concerns of your team members so that they can be free to concentrate on creating value for your business.  Read more

Safeguarding Your Family Legacy, 24 October 2017
Proper planning allows you to protect what you have built and pass it on to the ones you cherish the most. Understand how Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and Advanced Medical Directive (AMD) can create a complete solution to your estate planning and asset protection needs.  Read more

Distinguished Speaker Series: CEO of Future-Moves Group,
Mr Devadas Krishnadas, 25 October 2017
Multiple shake ups in the past year have resulted in shifts in the economic, political and security parameters. What are the implications for Singapore and for ASEAN? Join us at this dialogue with Mr Krishnadas as he provides his insights into today’s new world order to help businesses stay ahead of the curve.  Read more

Harnessing Independent Talents for Your Business, 27 October 2017
As the talent war gears into a new employment model, find out what lies ahead in the regulatory environment for freelancers and buyers of their services, and also what you can do to best prepare your business.  Read more

Dialogue with the Ministry of Education, 31 October 2017
The year’s annual dialogue with the Ministry of Education will focus on how to promote the culture of developing passion in learning and the entrepreneurial spirit amongst our young.  Read more

Innovation Series: PestBusters, 3 November 2017
Hear from the man behind PestBusters’ success story – Chairman and CEO, Mr Thomas Fernandez. Thomas will talk about how his company leverages technology to transform the way work is conventionally done in his industry. Read more

Future Ready Now, 14 November 2017
Jack Sim and Liu Yan, the visionary co-founders of the School of Gumption will conduct a lunch-time workshop on how life-long learning powered by the values of the 6Cs can help individuals, teams and organisations thrive in the future workplace.  Read more

Building An Enlivening Culture for Breakthrough Performance,
17 November 2017
In this highly experiential and interactive session, participants will understand the business case for an enlivening, positive, mindful culture and participate in practical exercises you can take away and practise in your organisations.  Read more

ATA Carnet Seminar: The Passport for Goods, 23 November 2017
Understand how the ATA Carnet works, and how your business can benefit from using it. This half-day seminar will equip participants with all they need to know to apply for and use the ATA Carnet.  Read more

Distinguished Speaker Series: Dr Vivian Balakrishnan,
27 November 2017
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, will share his thoughts on ASEAN as it marks its golden jubilee this year. This closed-door dialogue is exclusive to members. Chatham house rules apply.  Read more