Protecting Your Company from Fraud

Stressful times often bring out the worst in people.  People who are desperate to support their family may make bad decisions and turn to crime as a solution.  And then there’s the usual cast of thieves and scammers who do things like that on a daily basis.  It’s unfortunate, but many businesses will become the target of crime this year.  As a business owner or employee it is in your best interest not to leave your company unprotected.

As technology provides the business world with new opportunities, it also opens the door for new threats.  It’s not enough to rely on the security measures of yesterday to protect your computers and sensitive data.  If you do not have a properly configured firewall isolating your computer network from the Internet, then you might as well hook up a networked computer in the parking lot for anyone to use.  Employee training and good communication about threats is also important.  Employees can open the door from within the company network and unleash all manner of evil upon you if they are not closely monitored and educated.  Spend the time and money to hire an IT professional or train someone within your company to perform in that role.

How secure is the building where you work?  Are there monitored security cameras?  Locked gates and doors?  Keypad entry protection?  These are not really options but rather necessities unless you work hundreds of miles from civilization.  Companies should keep all doors locked to keep intruders out.  Special measures should be used to keep sensitive information and company equipment from leaving the premises as well.  All important company documents should be destroyed instead of just thrown away.  Familiarize yourself with different types of fraud, like check washing, and identity theft.

Another key protection is to have a good legal representation in place to assist with legal decisions.  Don’t trust your skills with searching the Internet to know the right decision to make.  Know exactly what the law entitles you before you go in any new direction and keep your company from being the target of frivolous lawsuits.  Also, educate each employee as to the level of authority they have and do not let them make decisions for you, especially when they are dealing with an unknown caller.  Monitor all bills, especially from utility companies, who under law can now allow third-party billing by other companies in most states.

As strict and tedious as this all sounds, it is in the best interest of your employees and the company as a whole.  Good prevention keeps your company from having to apologize for stupid mistakes later.

How to Get Through Airport Security Checkpoints Quickly

Seeing the airport security checkpoint is intimidating for those who don’t travel by air very often.  Long lines and frustrated travelers make the checkpoint seem like an unfriendly place.  Security screenings don’t have to be an overwhelming experience if you are prepared.

Visit the website for the airport where your flight will depart.  They should have a list of regulations for passengers.  These rules are subject to change, so don’t assume if you’ve flown before that you know what to do and what not to do.

Dress appropriately.  Don’t wear shirts with offensive messages or outfits that are too revealing.  Think comfort and simplicity.  Check all of your pockets before leaving for the trip and remove all metal objects and anything that could be considered dangerous or questionable.  Sandals or flip flops are great footwear for flights because they can be slipped on and off quickly and easily.  Carry a backpack or duffel bag and put your loose change, keys, mobile phone, and anything metal in your bag.  This will be your carry-on bag.  Make sure there is nothing dangerous in the bag.  Pack all liquids, toiletries, razors, etc. in the luggage that you check at the counter when you receive your boarding pass.  You don’t need any of those things on the plane, so why let them slow you down?  If you require medication during the flight, have all of the necessary information about the medicine with you and be sure the name on the bottle is your own.

Arrive at the airport least an hour and a half before your flight boards.  Be serious when passing through the security check point and pay attention to everything going on around you.  There will be plenty of time for jokes and horseplay once you get to the gate.  Watch the security agents for cues, respond when they talk to you, and follow all directions.  If they select you for additional screening, don’t get angry or ask why.  It’s a random procedure that is enforced in order to keep us all safe and it usually only takes an extra few minutes at most.  Be polite to everyone around you and speak in a normal voice.

Have your boarding pass and ID in your hand because it will be reviewed by several security agents as you advance through the check point.  Remove your sandals or flips flops and put them in a plastic bin.  Place your backpack or duffel bag in a separate plastic bin.  If you have a laptop computer, remove it from its carrying case and place it in a plastic bin.  All of these items should be placed on the moving belt.  Be sure to remove your belt if the belt buckle is prone to trigger the metal detectors.

If you are selected for extra screening or if someone traveling with you is, then watch each other’s belongings as you wait.  Following these simple tips will make passing airport security check points faster and easier and it will increase the chances of you making your flight if you’re in a hurry.

Tips

• Treat airport security agents with respect. They are there to protect you.

• Don't make jokes or act stupid while passing through security checkpoints, especially about anything related to the airport or the airplane! Security agents take your words and actions very seriously and may not let you through!