• Shred all proprietary information before disposal.
• Make shredders available throughout the workplace including next to the photocopier.
• All confidential documents should be filed away in a safe place.
• Develop office guidelines for all employees that outlines the proper procedures for protecting sensitive information.
• Work with your company’s IT department to limit the access employees have to electronic files.
• Conduct thorough background checks on potential employees.
• Use a locked mailbox to send mail that contains sensitive information.
• Ensure all company computers have the most up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spy-ware and firewall software.
• At the end of each work day, all employees should log off their computers; lock their workstations and office doors.
• When traveling for business, employees should pay attention to their surroundings, especially when using a cell phone, laptop or BlackBerry.

Source: Ira Winkler, National Security Consultant, 2007