Slack record retention policies ‘expose firms to cyber crime’

She said RIMPA had purchased an online database, the Australian Records Retention Manual, which brought together all the relevant information. Originally established by private company

Information Enterprises Australia in 2017, Ms Cornish said the database was unique in Australia but barely used with just a few dozen subscribers.

RIMPA planned to redesign the database, make it more accessible and had already hired a dedicated staff member to make real-time updates.

It database also highlighted relevant legislation and gave guidance on the security level to apply and how the documents should be destroyed.

Ms Cornish said the Australian Records Retention Manual would be launched in mid-August and was relevant to any business, big or small, that held customer information.

“It’s aimed at private industry so it’s not a government database. With the marketing and the market access that we have, we’ll be able to actually grow the subscriptions to that product.”

RIMPA hoped the database would drive expansion of its own membership base of about 3,500, which is currently about 70 per cent government and just 30 per cent business, but it would also market the product more widely with accountants a key target.

“Accountants are renowned for hanging on to everything because they think it’s the right thing to do, or not knowing. So it’s about being educated in what’s right, what’s wrong and being compliant.

“This database will act as a reliable source, equipping organisations with the knowledge needed to ensure compliance and avoid severe penalties associated with mishandling private information.”