Data Dumpster Diving

Data Dumpster Diving

What is Data Dumpster Diving?

Data dumpster diving is a common tactic used by hackers and thieves. They sift through the trash of others in hopes of discovering confidential personal and corporate information. This tactic is often the first used in a serious intrusion because going through the trash is a simple process compared to penetrating a firewall, deploying Trojans, stealing passwords, etc… to get the same information. Hackers know that people are the weakest link in the security chain and it only takes one person to improperly and illegally dump sensitive documents in the trash to hand over a gold mine of information.

Examples of information that hackers and thieves look for:

  • Names, Addresses, Credit Card Numbers, Social Security Numbers
  • Patient information
  • Printouts of appointment schedule information.
  • Printouts of computer source code, e-mails, memos, notes containing passwords, and account names.

What are the proper procedures for paper document disposal?

  • Shred all sensitive data before disposal or place it in a Shred-it bin. If you take documents home with you, you must shred them in a cross-cut shredder or bring them back to work to shred or place in a Shred-it bin.
  • Protect printed sensitive data. Store sensitive data in a locked desk or cabinet and keep it only as long as required by regulation or company policy.
  • Don’t leave unattended sensitive data on the copier, fax, or printer.
  • Anything you don’t want on the front page of the newspaper, or in the hands of strangers, should be shredded or placed in a Shred-it bin rather than placing it in the trash.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Violations may constitute grounds for corrective action up to and including termination of employment or contractual rights in accordance with applicable procedures. Unauthorized use or release of confidential information may also subject the violator to personal, civil, and/or criminal liability and legal penalties.

What’s the moral of the story? Don’t leave anything on the table (literally and figuratively). Follow the proper procedures – don’t make it easy for anyone to cause harm to your patients and your practice.

Do you know where your confidential paper documents are? Those data dumpster divers sure do.

Dental Compliance Specialists helps make dental offices safer for patients, dentists and their employees. We help our clients develop and maintain their compliance programs including OSHA/Infection Control, HIPAA, DEA regulations and prescribing practices, Radiation Safety, OIG/Medicaid Compliance, Record Auditing, and more by providing actionable systems, easy-to-use tools, robust training, and accountability. Most of our clients have never been in trouble and want to keep it that way. Sometimes, though, dentists call when they are in trouble. In either case, we are there to make a meaningful difference. If you need help call us at 817-755-0035.

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