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Printing_News_February_2017

SECURING Your Customer Data Any system that processes data, from prepress to mailing, is a potential target for information thieves. by Toni McQuilken Every aspect of our lives today is driven by data, and whether we like it or not, the need to protect and secure that data is becoming increasingly critical. Businesses of all types are being targeted more frequently, as thieves look for vulnerable access points that will provide them with the necessary information to then steal money, identities, and more. And printers are a prime target. You might be tempted to dismiss that claim, since it’s diffi cult for someone to steal a printed page over the Internet. But the problem is that more and more print shops are becoming marketing hubs, and more and more of the campaigns they produce involve variable or personalized data – all of which means the shop is in possession of personally identifi able information (PII) that can potentially be targeted and stolen. Beyond printing devices and servers “Printers are supplied with personal and confi dential information such as name and address information when doing mailings or data-quality services, so this data must be protected and stored in a secure environment physically or encrypted in digital communications,” says Kristen McKiernan, president of Accuzip. Marc Johnson, marketing manager, Core PageWide Web Press, Americas, HP Inc., agrees: “Whether this is a bank off ering credit off ers to a specifi c consumer based on their credit profi le, or a retailer making an off er based on a consumer’s buying history, or an insurer making an off er based on demographic information, the consumer’s PII data must be safeguarded and this is normally spelled out in the contract. “In addition, legally mandated security measures may be required – HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) requirements for health-related information, for example.” February 2 PrintingNews®com 017 ® Printing News 15


Printing_News_February_2017
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