Cyber-safe parcel management during the holidays: 5 essential tips to prevent parcel fraud at the office
With the holiday season just around the corner, millions of parcels are being sent and delivered ā many to office addresses. But traditional parcel management at workplace receptions isnāt always the most secure, often bringing with it significant safety risks.Ā
Here are five practical tips to keep your office parcel deliveries safe and secure:Ā
1. Extend your companyās access control policy to cover parcel deliveriesĀ
Is your office or reception area easy for outsiders to access? Thatās not just a breach of (cyber)security guidelines ā itās also a potential risk for parcel management. The more people who can freely enter your premises, the higher the chances of parcels being lost, stolen, or tampered with.
2. Opt for a secure parcel lockerĀ
If your office doesnāt already have one, consider setting up a secure delivery area or parcel locker. This ensures parcels Arent left unattended and protects sensitive information on shipping labels from falling into the wrong hands.Ā
3. Report unidentified parcels immediatelyĀ
Spotted an unlabelled or unidentified parcel lying around the office? Alert the receptionist or IT manager straight away. In a worst-case scenario, it could contain a device intended to harvest sensitive data.
4. Remove and destroy shipping labels before discarding packagingĀ
Itās whatās inside the package that counts, but donāt let your bin become a treasure trove for cybercriminals. Always remove and destroy shipping labels with personal details before throwing packaging away. This prevents criminals from gaining access to any useful information.Ā
5. Be wary of suspicious parcel notificationsĀ
Surprisingly, 11% of people click on untrustworthy links in phishing emails about parcel deliveries. Avoid falling into this trap by steering clear of links or QR codes in unexpected notifications. Instead, use the official track-and-trace number or visit the courierās verified website or app for updates.
Convenience doesnāt have to come at the cost of security. Employees enjoy the convenience of receiving parcels at work, but itās vital to stay vigilant. A secure access control system, a designated parcel locker or delivery area, and raising employee awareness are all key to keeping your office deliveries safe.Ā