Sensitive Data
You should always treat your client’s data as sensitive even if no one explicitly mentions it. If you are working for a banking or government client, strict rules will probably be laid out for you once you join the team, but if no one mention’s the level of security needed, it is always best to be responsible and respectful to the documents and data the client has shared with you. When you walk away from your computer, be sure to lock the screen and set a password to log back in. If you have physical documents you no longer need, find the nearest shredder to ensure the documents are disposed of correctly. When using physical media to transfer files, install encryption software on your computer and make sure files are secure in case you lose your portable hard drive.
How to get Fired from a Project
Bob was a team member of mine who always needed to leave slightly early to pick up his kids and then would work the rest of the evening from his home office. One day when he was in the middle of a comparing data for a banking client, he decided to email the file to his personal email so he could download the file at home and continue his work. Little to his knowledge, the file contained social security numbers. Once the email was sent, network security was immediately notified, followed by the authorities. Bob was confronted by the client the very next morning and escorted out of the building. This policy breach was a non-negotiable offense and required immediate termination. It is probably safe to say that Bob will always thinks twice before emailing sensitive data to himself.
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