Compromising Business Behaviors: Don't Leave Your Business Exposed

May 15, 2006; 08:54 AM

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. - Leaving the computer on when you leave the office at night or using your laptop on an airplane may not seem like risky business, but, according to information security expert Ira Winkler, these are just two examples of compromising behaviors that can leave your business exposed. In fact, the Small Business Technology Institute reports that more than half of all small businesses in the U.S. - as many as 13 million - experienced a security breach in the past year because of a variety of everyday behaviors that unintentionally expose business information.

To help businesses deal with this growing problem, Office Depot (NYSE:ODP) has teamed up with Winkler, author of "Spies Among Us: How to Stop the Spies, Terrorists, Hackers and Criminals That You Don't Even Know You Encounter Every Day," to provide businesses with important tips, recommendations, and affordable information security solutions. A free brochure entitled "Compromising Behaviors: Don't Leave Your Business Exposed" guides businesses on how to protect their valuable information and is available for downloading at www.officedepot.com/security.

"Most corporate intelligence losses are not a result of high-tech crime. They are the result of human errors or system loopholes that can be easily and cost-effectively remedied," explains Winkler, President of the Internet Security Advisors Group, who has also been dubbed a "Modern Day James Bond" because of his keen understanding of the high- and low-tech methods used to make businesses susceptible to information security breaches.

Yet, according to Winkler, many companies are vulnerable because they don't believe they are at risk.

"I frequently come across small and medium sized businesses that assume information theft does not apply to them and that appropriate security measures are very costly," Winkler said. "Both of these assumptions just aren't true. In so many cases, there are simple actions you can take and basic behaviors that you can change that will dramatically improve your approach to information security."

"Compromising Behaviors: Don't Leave Your Business Exposed" offers a variety of recommendations for simple and affordable solutions including:

-- Keep your PC and security software up to date. Just like you put on a seatbelt when driving a car, the most basic security protection for your PC is to make sure the operating system is up to date and utilizing the recommended security updates. Likewise, you should always install antivirus, anti-spyware and a personal firewall to protect computer files. Keep your software updated as new viruses and spyware bugs are released virtually daily. One protective software package is the Office Depot Internet Security Suite available for $49.99, which shields against viruses, spyware, hackers and phishing scams.

-- Always remember that people are listening. While talking on your cell phone outside of the office, be conscious of your surroundings and keep your voice low whenever possible. Practice this same approach for business discussed in public spaces like a restaurant, coffee house or airport. While it's great to take a client out for a meal, an employee from your competitor could be sitting at the next table. If you need to talk business, consider using code words to discuss confidential projects.

-- Be cautious when working with confidential information. Reviewing documents when traveling or working outside the office can maximize productivity, but, if the files include sensitive information, always make sure no one can see what you are working on. A good way to ensure your information remains safe from wandering eyes is to install a laptop privacy filter so only you can see the information. For example, the 3M(TM) Notebook Privacy Filter, available for as low as $59.99, darkens screen data from a side view allowing only the user to view information on-screen.

-- Always use passwords and keep them safe. Passwords are a simple way to protect your information, but make sure you don't use basic passwords like your name, birthday or phone number. If you need to write down your password, keep it in a secure location and do not share it. If you need to share your password, change it as soon as you can. If you have trouble remembering passwords, the Microsoft Fingerprint Reader, available for $39.99, lets you log on to your PC and your favorite Web sites with the touch of your finger -- without having to remember all of your passwords. Simply place your finger on the receiver whenever a password or user name is required. Some laptops, such as the high-performance Toshiba Satellite(R) P105-S6014 wireless notebook which sells for under $1,599, come equipped with an embedded fingerprint reader to provide biometric password protection for simple one-touch access to applications.

-- Put your laptop on lockdown. Secure your notebook from theft by attaching a cable lock, such as the Targus Defcon CL notebook computer cable lock, available for as little as $29.99, which tethers it to a desk or other surface. Cable locks are portable and can go on the road so if you use a laptop at a business center, it can also be secured.

About Ira Winkler

Ira Winkler is president of the Internet Security Advisors Group and is considered one of the world's most knowledgeable security professionals. A former intelligence specialist at the National Security Agency (NSA), Winkler's expertise extends to Internet security, information warfare, information-related crime investigation, and industrial espionage. Dubbed a "Modern Day James Bond," he specializes in penetration testing, where he gains access to companies, both technically and physically, to find and repair an organization's weaknesses. An accomplished author, Winkler's latest book, "Spies Among Us: How to Stop the Spies, Terrorists, Hackers and Criminals That You Don't Even Know You Encounter Every Day," seeks to educate companies about their potential vulnerabilities.

About Office Depot

With annual sales of over $14 billion, Office Depot provides more office products and services to more customers in more countries than any other company. Incorporated in 1986 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, Office Depot conducts business in 23 countries and employs about 47,000 people worldwide. The Company operates under the Office Depot(R), Viking Office Products(R), and Viking Direct(R) brand names.

Office Depot is a leader in every distribution channel - from retail stores and contract delivery to catalogs and e-commerce. With over $3.8 billion of sales, the Company is one of the world's largest e-commerce retailers. As of April 1, 2006, Office Depot had 1,049 retail stores in North America. Internationally, the Company conducts wholly-or majority-owned operations in 16 countries, and operates retail stores under joint venture and license arrangements in another five countries.

The company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

Additional press information can be found at: http://mediarelations.officedepot.com.