Clean desk policy
A Clean Desk policy simply means that there is as little stuff on your desk as possible, only the things you require to do your job. In addition, this means that confidential information should not be left unattended on your desk, to prevent (among other things) theft and exposure.
Confidential documents or privacy-sensitive information form a business risk. We all need to protect this information, not only from malicious persons, but from anyone who is unauthorized to access it.
- Don't leave your laptop, phone or other device unattended.
- If you walk away from your workstation, even if it's only 5 minutes, make sure you lock your computer. You do this using the "Windows" + "L" keys.
- Do not leave confidential information unattended on your desk.
- Make sure you lock the room you are working in. Lock the door and any cupboards.
- If you work with sensitive data make sure no one can look over your shoulder. For example, use a privacy screen. This ensures that only you can see the information.
Clean desk policy also applies at home
At home, too, we are responsible for protecting our company information and must avoid leaving notes lying around, accidentally losing company information or people taking note of information when they are not authorized to do so. Think, for example, of your son using your notes as drawing paper and then taking them to school with him or the cleaning lady who lays the documents neatly in a pile in front of you and reads the minutes from the last meeting.