Collecting unpaid bills for clients requires sensitive information. Home and business addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers, and even social security information are shared so debt collectors can efficiently do their job. Access to personal data makes data security critical. Learn more about tips for preventing data breaches and other cyberattacks from exposing sensitive data.
Common Data Security Strategies
A data breach can be a disaster for many debt collection agencies. Unauthorized access to personal data impacts relationships with clients and puts their customers’ personal information at risk. Knowing the common causes of data breaches is helpful for enhancing data security.
Unknown Security Vulnerabilities
One of the biggest issues for many agencies is they don’t know where vulnerabilities are in their IT security. An outdated security system’s weaknesses expose valuable information and provide an easy access point for cyberattackers.
Human Error
Did you know that human error is the leading cause of data breaches? From using weak passwords to falling for phishing scams, employees can unknowingly send sensitive information to the wrong people.
Criminal Hacking
Data collection agencies are common targets for cyberattacks because they manage important personal information. Failing to set up the proper security measures increases your risk of experiencing a data leak from phishing, SQL injections, and malware attacks.
Social Engineering
Cybercriminals are increasingly relying on social engineering attacks to gain access to client information. These attacks trick employees into providing critical data by mimicking emails, text messages, social network direct messages, and phone calls.
Tips To Enhance Data Security for Debt Collection Compliance
Managing sensitive information is challenging, but protecting that data is critical for a collection agency’s success. While debt collection compliance standards don’t detail specific data security measures, having the right strategy protects your company from the consumer complaints that organizations like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigate. Here are some tips for preventing attempts to collect private information:
Create Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are one of the most effective techniques for preventing data breaches. Make sure every employee has a unique password that features multiple special characters. Also, teach them that having the same password for multiple accounts poses a security risk. Implementing a system that requires different passwords for separate accounts enhances security even if a breach occurs.
Encrypt Data
Data privacy guidelines place the responsibility of protecting customer information on the company. Data encryption is critical because it adds another layer of protection to the sensitive information stored by a collection agency. Encrypting sensitive information is critical for providing peace of mind to your clients.
Regularly Update Security Software
Many software security providers issue regular updates that offer additional security layers. Failure to update your internal systems means your network isn’t up to date and could expose your sensitive data to cyberattacks.
Limit Internal Access
Carefully granting employee access to critical data protects your agency and clients. Too many employees with access control increases the likelihood of a data breach because hackers have more entry points. Determining which employees need the necessary credentials will reduce the risk of unauthorized attacks.
Train Employees
Because human error is the leading cause of data breaches, properly training your employees is critical. Make sure all workers understand the importance of security and teach them techniques for spotting phishing attempts.
A Debt Collection Agency That Prioritizes Data Security
Looking for a debt collection agency that protects sensitive information? Contact Rapid Collections today to learn more about our data security measures.
Rapid Collections: A Leading Collection Agency in St. Louis, MO
The Rapid Collections team understands the importance of data security in protecting our clients’ image. We leverage our wealth of knowledge and experience to make sure their sensitive information is safe and have an established and top ranked security company monitoring all activity 24/7 as another layer of protection for their clients. Security and protection are top priority for all data. You are safe with Rapid Collections.
Our collection experts exceed expectations and build long-term relationships with our partners by offering the following advantages:
Professional Process
Rapid Collections offers a professional collection process that maintains a strong relationship between client and debtor. Our collection specialist team carries out our system in house and contacts all parties by phone and in writing. All of our services are designed to follow federal and state laws.
Client-Centered Solutions
Finding an amicable solution between credit and debtor is important for the Rapid Collections team. We work hard to settle disputes by analyzing all contractual documents to satisfy all parties.
Expert Agents
Our expert agents thoroughly review all files before contacting the debtor. Our team understands that final decisions belong to the client and adhere to their wishes throughout the process.
Rapid Collections: Providing Expert Debt Collection for Missouri and Beyond
Rapid Collections has been providing comprehensive global cash solutions for clients since 2003. Our collection professionals are committed to assisting our clients with their debt recovery needs while developing positive relationships with their debtors. Unlike other companies, Rapid Collections manages the entire collection process. Along with our collection agency solutions, we also provide the following services to streamline the debt recovery process:
Legal Representation
We work hard to settle cases before they escalate, but sometimes legal representation is necessary. Our team of attorneys and paralegals work across various industries and have the knowledge and expertise to prepare the best case for your company.
Accounts Receivable Outsourcing
Rapid Collections offers accounts receivable outsourcing services that improve cash flow and reduce stress on your internal team. We target the following areas to improve your AR management:
- Billing processes
- Cash flow forecasting
- Client investigation protecting
- And more
Consulting
Our team offers consulting and training services that give our clients the debt collection resources they need. Whether you need one-on-one or group training sessions, we make sure your internal departments are prepared to deal with unresponsive accounts.
Contact Rapid Collections today to learn more about our debt recovery services.
