Four Ways to Restrict Access to Electronic Documents

It’s confidential information on staff and customers or confidential documents regarding deals or accounts companies must block access to go to website their electronic documents from scrutiny. Even if employees are well-trained and trustworthy but it’s only a tiny mistake to trigger an embarrassing data breach that could ruin a company’s reputation. There are four ways to limit the use of electronic files, and also to avoid a data breach.

The Administrative Office of the Courts has requested comments on four options to address privacy and security concerns in providing remote electronic public access to the case file records. The first option would preserve the assumption that all court records being accessible at the courthouse, as well as electronically, but limit access to remote computers only to those with a legitimate need, for example a parties, counsels essential court staff, and judges.

The other option allows the user to look over and download all the information found in the case record, but only if they have an official need. This includes those convicted of a crime, and requires an approval from a judge before granting a request for release of the information.

The third option allows the public access to certain documents that typically are found in criminal case files. These include plea agreements as well as not executed arrest warrants. The law also restricts access to certain identifying information like Social Security numbers and financial information. It depends on prosecutors and their attorneys to protect their interests in specific instances by filing motions to block certain information or exclude it from electronic access.