December 2006 Virtual Staffing Newsletter -Issue #8

Protect Your Customers!

Are you in compliance with FACTA Document Disposal Rules? The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 (FACTA) added new settings to the federal Fair Crediting Report (FCRA, 15 USC 1681 et seq.), intended primarily to help consumers fight the growing crime of identity theft. Accuracy, privacy, limits on information sharing, and new customer rights to disclosure are included in the FACTA (Pub. L. 108-159, 111 Stat 1952). What does this mean to you? Essentially, you are required to properly dispose of information in consumer reports and records to protect against "unauthorized access to or use of this informatoin."

You may think you don't need to worry about this. Howerever, among those affected by the rules are:

• Lenders
• Employees
• Landlords
• Mortage Brokers
• Automobile Dealers
• Attorneys or Private Investigators
• Individuals who obtain a credit report on prospective nannies, contractors, or tenants

How can you show compliance with the FACTA rules? According to the FTC, proper disposal of information derived from a consumer report is flexible. This allows your organization or you as an individual to put procedures in place that can take into consideration how sensitive the information is and the costs and benefits of different disposal methods. Still, it is important to take steps to prove that you are working to protect your customer's information.

Here are some suggestions to help you comply with the FACTA rule:

1. Burn or Shred Papers - Make sure that any consumer information is destroyed so that it can not be read or reconstructed. You may consider outsourcing the destruction as sometimes using the office shredder is not enough.
2. Destroy Electronic Files - Any electronic files or media (including backup copies) that are not being used and will not need to be accessed, need to be professionally destroyed or erased so that they can not be read or recreated.
3. Protect Information that Can Not be Destroyed - Obviously, not all consumer information you have can be or should be destroyed. For the data you need to access or keep for an extended period of time due to regulatory and compliance issues, you can take steps to protect your customers and employees. 1. Make sure files are password protected and encrypted, 2. Have a firewall, 3. Run anti-malware programs, 4. Have secure data backup procedures. For more information on protecting your information systems, view our June 2006 and August 2006 Newsletters.
4. Use a Document Destruction Contractor - An easy way to provide proof of proper disposoal of consumer information, is to hire a document destruction contractor. We recommend ShredPro to our customers. ShredPro provides a secure recepticle to place your sensitive material and visits your site on a routine schedule to destroy all materials in that bin. You can feel secure that your costumers' and employeees' information is safe.

Fun Holiday Gift Ideas! Now that we are in the middle of the gift giving frenzy, you may be looking for an extra fun special gift for someone. There are some obvious choices like an ipod, digital camera, or the PS3, but I want to point out some less obvious, but very fun options.

1. Virtual Laser Keyboard - This cell phone size device connects to your PDA, phone, tablet pc, ect via a BlueTooth or serial connection and projects a full size keyboard image onto your worksplace. You type just as you would with a regular keyboard and based on your finger placement your keystrokes are recognized.
2. Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300 featuring OminiLink TM - This is THE universal remote to have. It may not be the prettiest remote you have every seen, but in can do everything except wash the dishes. Monster Cable has put together a controller that can control all of your electronic devices including your ipod and lighting system in your home. It works at up to 130 foot distance even through walls. The joke at my home is that you need to leave your driver's license with me to use my current remote; with this new one, I may ask for a security deposit.
3. WinePod - Although not for your casual wine drinker, The WinePod gives the enthusiast the great opportunity of making really good wine at home. The unit combines fermenting, pressing, and ageing. The companion software guides and manages your winemaking process, as well as allowing you to upload your information to other WinePod users and view their notes. The manufacturer even works with vineyards to allow you to purchase high quality produce directly from them.
4. Sonic Impact VIDEO-55 - If you use your ipod for more than music, you will love the Sonice Impact VIDEO-55. It acts as speakers and carrying case for you ipod, but the real reason for it is the 7 in. video screen. The larger screen allows for easy viewing of your pictures and the 4 hour battery playing time lets you watch full length movies. With the included AC adapter and remote, it makes an excellent addition to your desk or kitchen.
5. HP Pavillion Slimline s7600e Series - This award winning machine, combines functionality with small footprint size. Although it is only one third of the size of the traditional HP tower, it has all the abilities of a full size machine. When properly configured, it can run the new Windows Vista, as well as Home, Media, or Pro. The 9 in 1 memory card reader makes transferring music, video, and pictures easy; and with the optional HP DVD writer with HP's innovative LightScribe technology, you can burn professional-looking labels directly onto LightScribe-enabled media. The real fun comes with the ability to personalize your new computer. HP Skins lets you show your personality and brighten up the traditional look of your pc.
   
   Referrals - Thank you for letting us serve your business. Our success has been based on your satisfaction with our company and your willingness to continue to provide referrals. For this reason ask, "How likely are you to refer out company to a friend or colleague?" If you don't feel you could recommend us, please let us know how we could better meet your needs. We greatly appreciate you and are hopeful that you will continue to refer new business to us!
   
   Small business tip of the month - You know not to download files emailed to you from people you are not familiar with, but remember that even people you know and want to help you can inadvertently pass on bad information. Whenever you receive an email and want to know, "Is that true?" visit Truth or Fiction. Most of the e-rumors that are forwarded on are harmless, but some ask you to delete files as a means to protect your computer system. Oftentimes the instructions included in these emails will cause damages ranging from minor inconveniences to major information loss.