Living in the information age has its definite advantages. You can contact a spouse, child or business associate anywhere in the world in the blink of an eye. Emails and texts are incredibly easy to compose and send. There is no need for a postage stamp, nor long wait for a reply. However, just as with other things in life that are advantageous, electronic communication has its drawbacks. Just as easily as you can pick up a phone or type out a text, you can wind up in legal hot water. When this happens, it may be in your best interests to hire an Orange County business lawyer.

How Electronics Can Work Against You

It is very important that employees be aware of certain dangers their emails, texts, and phone messages may bring. If a threat is made, for instance, even in jest and to a third party, that threat is out there forever, and can be retrieved and used for ill intent. Moreover, texts and emails can easily be taken out of context. If you divulge a company secret to someone close who you just know would never repeat the information, even if they are utterly trustworthy, the fact that you have put the information “out there” means that it is on a server, just waiting for a malefactor to retrieve it.

Rules for Use of Electronic Communications

Orange County business lawyers will tell you that every day businesses are harmed by individuals looking to wreak havoc. This could be an ex-employee who holds a grudge or a former spouse after a nasty divorce. It could also be someone who simply is trying to cash in on mistakes made by business. Keep in mind the following:

• Your communications never go away, and you can’t do anything about this fact.
• You can count on the fact that there will always be someone out there looking for trouble by going through your electronic communications.
• What usually works against a person more than anything else is the innocent message that the sender thought to be completely innocuous.

Fortunately, there are things that can be done to minimize such problems. However, it takes the cooperation of each employee. Here are a few tips:

• Send out fewer emails.
• Refrain from using company computers for personal communications.
• Avoid texting whenever possible.
• Be careful not to discuss sensitive information via email or other form of electronic communication.
• When leaving a voicemail, don’t elaborate on the purpose of the call. Rather, just ask the other party to return your call.

For Legal Assistance

If your company falls victim to a hacker, or you have another concern about protecting your enterprise, work with an Orange County business lawyer. Call Daily Aljian, LLP today at 949-861-2524.