At a department meeting your manager, Ms. Dlamini, discusses a memo regarding company security. She shakes her head and says: “This is the second memo the managers have received about security leaks. One of our competitors has just introduced a new product and it is identical to a product we have been working on. Apparently, they discovered our plans. The President wants our thoughts on how to improve our product security. In addition to the main shredder in the copy centre, he is suggesting a shredder for each office. Well, I am just glad everyone in our department can be trusted.

As you hear this, you remember several situations you have observed in the office:

• You have seen poor photocopies – even photocopies of confidential material – discarded in the waste paper basket.
• Computer printouts with product testing results are left stacked next to the filing cabinets rather than being locked inside them.
• Workers often talk about current projects during their breaks.
• Workers have a habit of using the offices of other workers who are out of town or on holiday.
• Workers too freely give out unnecessary information to callers, such as telling callers exactly where the individual is.

“Tell me,” MS Dlamini says, “do you think we need a shredder? What other measures can we take to tighten security? Please give this matter some thought and send me your ideas.”

Prepare a response to the questions Ms. Dlamini asks and include suggestions for correcting the problems as discussed as well as other security measures that you think would be effective.