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Inspiration

Security, an ongoing challenge

n today's world, it is an unfortunate reality that Hiring matters
safety and security are never guaranteed no matter
how vigilant our efforts. Those of us in the payments Before you invite a new person to join your staff, find out
I industry are well versed in security measures due as much as you can about the person's background. During
in large part to the Payment Card Industry Data Security an interview, a potential hire can be charming and seem
Standard (PCI DSS), which sets forth guidelines for all highly qualified. However, sometimes appearances can be
aspects of safeguarding sensitive data, including the physi- deceiving.
cal locations where such data may reside.
So don't jump to hire someone who has impressed you; do
The PCI DSS is detailed in full by the PCI Security Standards your due diligence first. Here are three steps to take:
Council at www.pcisecuritystandards.org. Our archives also
contain numerous articles on the PCI Security Standards 1. Call the references the candidate has provided.
going back more than 10 years. I'm not going to delve into Ask probing questions, try to get the person talking.
the particulars of the standards right now. I just want to Sometimes a person will be guarded at first and provide
share some thoughts about maintaining physical security, only brief answers. By establishing a little rapport,
because when physical security is faulty, protecting data you can get the individual to relax and provide a little
can easily become irrelevant. more context and detail, which will either confirm your
positive impression or raise red flags.
Location matters
2. Google the person's name and see what turns up.
Next time you look for office space, here are some tips to get
situated in the right place the right way: 3. Check social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to
see how a potential employee behaves in those settings.
1. Before even viewing a potential location, research Ask yourself what the posts are likely to indicate about the
the area, and check the neighborhood's crime stats, past person's character. The Small Business Administration
and present. Sometimes an area will be in transition; further recommends doing a full background check that
determine whether the trend is toward less or more includes a personal character examination and search of
crime. police reports.

2. If you found nothing alarming in your research, view With staff in place, then it's time to train them thoroughly
the property you're interested and then speak with on your security practices, and allow access to sensitive
business owners and employees nearby. Find out what data and your financial records only to staff members who
their safety concerns are and decide whether you are require it to fulfill their job duties.
comfortable with issues they bring up.
And if you don't have a security system, install one – and
3. Reach out to local law enforcement so you know them, make sure it's one that notifies police about potential
and they know you. This can be invaluable if an incident
arises and your need their help. intruders. We can't rid the world of criminals, but we can
take steps to make our exposure to them close to nil.
4. Join local a local business association and participate
in meetings and activities.
5. Join or help establish a co-operative crime watch with
your immediate neighbors. Kate Gillespie, President and CEO
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