Much has been written about the vulnerability of the computer systems used by U.S. businesses. Maintaining e-commerce security measures is a major task for many companies.

Valuable corporate information often resides on portable computers. Even information on PDAs and mobile phones could represent a major security breach.

The first step in preventing the theft of key data is determining how information can be stolen or lost if your employees’ laptops, PDAs, or cellular phones are stolen. Next, develop a specific internal control plan with procedures to maintain reliable and accurate records and safeguard all corporate assets.

Numerous commercial products can minimize damage that the theft of a portable device can cause. These products also limit the amount of data that can be extracted, should the device be stolen. Encryption software can provide yet another method of loss control, as can pass- word lockout programs.

Sometimes, such basic measures – as the effective use of passwords that consist of six or more characters, numbers or letters – can provide security. When using letters, the alternation of upper and lower case can be just as effective as some of the more expensive options. The key is to develop a plan and make certain that all employees implement it.

If you’d like us to review your insurance for e-commerce risk, just give us a call.