ICYMI: Data Breaches, Identity Theft, Recycling, Oh My!
Here’s what you missed this month on the Legal Shred blog: your source for identity protection!
November is practically here, which means we are closer to the end of the year, gearing up for the peak season of fall, and readying ourselves for the holidays. In case you missed it, here’s what happened on the Legal Shred blog this month.
All About Data Breaches
What do unclean desks, using public hotspots for work purposes, and tossing files in the trash have in common? Take a look at the headlines lately. Data breaches are far more common than you realize, and these poor habits can seriously compromise any business. Consider the statistics: in 2016, reported data breaches increased by 40%. Yahoo also announced the largest data breach in history last year, affecting more than one billion accounts. More recently, Equifax made it known that hackers broke into its computers and stole key personal data — including social security numbers, names, addresses and dates of birth — from an estimated 143 million Americans. Do you want to be a statistic? Read about how to change those work habits and keep you and your business safe.
If you need to understand the basics of data breaches and how you can protect yourself, follow the link to see what you can do to mitigate risk.
Recycle. Recycle. Recycle.
Recycling is a large part of what we do here at Legal Shred. When you shred your documents with us, not only are you investing in one of the easiest ways to protect your identity, you’re taking steps to protect the planet as well. Considering that the average American creates about 4.43 pounds of trash per day, and some 30 percent of that is paper, reducing waste is something we all need to do together. Learn about what happens to your shredded paper and how it’s useful in creating new products.
One of the primary reasons we recycle is to conserve resources, and one of our largest resources are trees. Trees make the paper we use for so many products, from office paper to cardboard boxes to magazines. We live in a society that consumes paper faster than we can grow trees. Recycling shredded paper creates meaningful environmental savings all around. Here’s why recycling matters.
What Does Halloween Have To Do With Identity Protection?
Halloween is one of the scariest times of the year (and not because of the costumes). With pranks and tricks galore, most of which are meant to be fun, it means that for the rest of us, we need to keep a watchful eye on our identity. Believe it or not, Halloween is the perfect time for thieves to steal your identity. But don’t worry! There are some measures you can take to protect yourself this Halloween so that your identity stays where it belongs: with you.
Halloween is a good reminder to beware of some of the more common (and scary) scams that exist. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Don’t fall victim to these egregious acts. Learn about how scammers are looking to take what’s rightfully yours.
Everyday individuals become a victim of identity theft. The scary reality is that victims of identity theft suffer from total financial chaos, as their credit history and rating are destroyed by illicit purchases that were never paid for by the identity thief. Here’s some steps you can take now to protect yourself.
It’s A Time For Giving Thanks
Legal Shred Inc. is hosting a food drive for Thanksgiving. All collected, non-perishable food items will be donated to a local food bank, Resurrection Catholic Church, to be distributed to families in need, for preparation of Thanksgiving dinner. Click here to learn how you can show your support!
Happy Fall from all of us here at Legal Shred!
You Might Also Like:
- The Horror of Identity Theft (and How to Protect Yourself)
- Identity Theft Statistics – ID Theft Hits All-time High in 2016
- Identity Protection Quiz: How Safe Do You Think You Are?
- The Legal Shred Identity Theft Survival Guide
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