This post brought to you by 3M. The content and opinions expressed below are that of upstartHR.

When you work in HR, you have access to a substantial amount of sensitive business data. It’s just the nature of what we do. But technology is continuously improving to help keep our data safe, and I want to talk about one new option that is making that possible.

In the age of cybersecurity, hackers, data breaches, and other web-based threats, it’s easy to forget that the simplest security lapses often involve a human element.

Imagine that you’re working on compensation data for an upcoming review cycle and you’re called into a meeting abruptly. You jump up and walk out of your office, leaving the compensation information prominently displayed on your computer screen. Virtually anyone could drop by your office, whether for a scheduled meeting, to leave something in your inbox, or just to say “hello,” and they would be able to see sensitive information easily.

That is true, unless you have the 3M Privacy Filter. This filter provides visual blocking to help maintain information security, but in this example, someone could still step directly in front of your computer and attempt to access information. That’s where 3M's ePrivacy Filter Software kicks in.

This software program uses the computer’s webcam to learn your face through its facial recognition software. When you are looking away or stepping away from your computer for a moment, the screen blurs. Here’s the best part: if an intruder or eavesdropper is detected, you are alerted with a pop-up of the intruder’s face with an image taken by the webcam. The software is designed to work in conjunction to a 3Mâ„¢ Privacy Filter that attaches physically to the device – providing a full 180 degrees of privacy from visual hackers.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please click to learn more about 3M™ ePrivacy Filter Software or download a 30-day free trial of 3M™ ePrivacy Filter Software.

Here are the details and system requirements:

• Download requirements: Windows® XP or higher and a webcam.
• Not compatible with Mac OS
• Go to: http://3Mscreens.com/ePrivacyFilter/Trial
• Download software and enter the activation code (VX7J-3CVJ-AyW2-X4PQ)
• Call customer support with questions 1-855-666-2800 to speak with a representative (Monday through Friday, 7:30AM to 5PM CT).

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this tool!