Print shop data security

jdr999

Well-known member
Hi guys,

I started a small, 3 man copy & print shop about 6 months ago to replace a Staples that closed.

We have a Time Capsule backup, an offsite backup through Crashplan, two iMacs, a Windows PC, and various copiers, printers, laminators, etc..

We do quite a bit of work for architects and attorneys. What security measures should we have in place to safeguard our data, our customers data, and our jobs?

We do business through email, thumb drives, originals, and our website which has a secure file transfer through sendthisfile.com. We do have a shared jobs folder on the newer iMac where we store all data. This folder is password protected and not accessible through our self-service PC.
There's also no real privacy since it's one general workspace with no separate rooms...

I'm not 100% sure how to answer a potential client when he asks how secure we are and how we handle private information.

Anyone have any insight as to where we need to be and how to get there?

Thanks!
Joe
 
Hi guys,

I started a small, 3 man copy & print shop about 6 months ago to replace a Staples that closed.

We have a Time Capsule backup, an offsite backup through Crashplan, two iMacs, a Windows PC, and various copiers, printers, laminators, etc..

We do quite a bit of work for architects and attorneys. What security measures should we have in place to safeguard our data, our customers data, and our jobs?

We do business through email, thumb drives, originals, and our website which has a secure file transfer through sendthisfile.com. We do have a shared jobs folder on the newer iMac where we store all data. This folder is password protected and not accessible through our self-service PC.
There's also no real privacy since it's one general workspace with no separate rooms...

I'm not 100% sure how to answer a potential client when he asks how secure we are and how we handle private information.

Anyone have any insight as to where we need to be and how to get there?

Thanks!
Joe

Non disclosure agreements, confidentialconfidentiality agreements, documented data handling policies and procedures, access controls AND audit/access logs, encryption for data in transit and at rest. ISO certifications are helpful. But you have to have it all documented.
 
For a operation your size, you can outsource a complete analysis of your network, processes, and systems to a 3rd party IT company, for, probably less than $1,000. We have a much larger operation (25 PC's, 3 servers, about 20 or so printers, 50 employees, etc.) and ours cost around $2,500. They will perform what is know as a "Systems Penetration & Vulnerability Audit" which, basically means, after taking a good look at your setup, they will run security analysis software, work station and program content software, and finally, purposely try several techniques to try and hack your network to reveal any short-comings. The result of this process is several reports and recommendations on how secure your system is, and, what you need to do to patch any deficiencies. It is totally confidential, and, good or bad, you need not show it to any one outside your organization. If it's good, it'll be a good tool to use to calm the fears of any potential client (you've been audited by an independent, unbiased 3rd party network security firm, and passed). If it's bad, you will have a blue-print of changes to make and things to put in place to make it secure. Well worth the money! Especially if you intend on growing your business into the legal, or, insurance areas.

I hope this helps!

-Best

MailGuru
 
Last edited:
What he said. It is well worth the money, time and effort to have such a report anyways. Who knows what an employee may have access to that they shouldn't. Like financial information...

MailGuru's advice is spot on.
 

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