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Top 3 Alternatives to Purchasing Paper Shredders

The amount of data created daily is truly mind-boggling. Let’s not get into the numbers, but understand the fact that the disposal of this information is just as important. While the data creation rate is set to rise in the coming time, let’s look at some ways you can also keep cutting the clutter. Purchasing a DIY shredder might seem feasible, but here are three alternatives that may be just as useful and effective.

#1. Community Shredding Events

Community shredding events are usually free (or charge a flat fee) and a low-cost alternative to buying, using, and maintaining your own shredder. You can purge your confidential documents on a budget, but there is no guarantee of data safety. You often find documents sitting unsupervised, and you must wait until someone assists you. You don’t get proof of destruction, no assurance the workers are certified, and the chain of custody can be compromised. Community shredding services are convenient but not always safe.

#2. Burn Your Documents

Burning confidential papers is a viable option for some businesses. While it may not be safe and responsible, it can be convenient for smaller loads. Incinerating effectively destroys your sensitive information beyond reconstruction. However, it is incredibly unprofessional and even requires proper disposal of the remains. Furthermore, some cities might also need a permit from the local fire department to burn materials as it can be a safety and environmental hazard. 

#3. Use Certified Shredding Services

There are many benefits of hiring professionals over purchasing office shredders and wasting your precious time on them. But do you think employing experts impacts your budget? The truth is, it is only time and money-saving in the long run. Security shredding specialists help you set up a routine and cost-effectively eliminate all junk from your business or residential premises. On average, drop-off shredding services cost around a dollar for every pound of paper. Pickups may be charged additionally. And final costs can depend on your location, the amount of material you have for shredding, and any other required services.

To Wrap Up

Safely getting rid of sensitive documents is the need of the hour. It keeps your confidential information from landing in the wrong hands. But the method you choose makes all the difference. While burning and DIY shredders may be convenient, these cannot compare with professional services. So choose your options wisely.

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Why Should You Hire A NAID AAA Certified Shredding Company?

When your business deals with a lot of sensitive information on a daily basis, you need proof, not false claims or empty promises. This is the sole reason choosing a NAID AAA Certified company acts in your best interest. So, when shortlisting service providers, check for this certification and make an informed choice in keeping your confidential information truly confidential.

What is NAID?

NAID, or National Association for Information Destruction, is a nonprofit that works to set strict standards for the information destruction sector. The organization was established in 1992 and, since then been educating the public about following safe data disposal practices and outsourcing the process to a reputable service provider.

Today, it is a recognized authority in the country, encouraging advancement, professionalism, and high ethical standards in the information destruction industry. NAID is also a watchdog of the shredding sector, checking every company’s compliance in 20+ critical areas.

As of 2018, NAID remains to be a division of I-SIGMA (International Secure Information Governance and Management Association). In the 2000s, NAID introduced the voluntary “AAA” certification program for companies that wish to exhibit their commitment to ethical data destruction standards.

What is NAID AAA Certification?

NAID AAA Certification is awarded to those shredding companies that validate their services through a series of unannounced, rigorous, third-party audits. It is the highest rating by NAID, awarded to only a few fortunate, setting them apart from the rest in the business.

These audits are performed by Certified Protection Professionals (CPPs) trained to inspect the company’s compliance with respect to the relevant data protection laws.

Companies are checked for their overall facility arrangements, equipment, employee records, employee training, company policies, safety procedures, transportation services, and other processes. The CPP performing the audit ensures the company is adhering to industry best practices and complies with the set standard from top to bottom levels. 

A certified shredding company receives numerous benefits in return. They can access support material, advertise as an AAA-certified provider, and offer mobile, paper, and media destruction services to businesses and governmental agencies around.

The Right Choice: NAID AAA Certified Shredding Company

When you hire a NAID AAA-certified paper shredding company, you can have the peace of mind that they are vetted and verified by NAID to ensure the best data destruction practices. 

You can stay compliant and safely discard any Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Personal Health Information (PHI), and other sensitive materials that you possess. They help you satisfy your legal obligations and protect your business information from unauthorized access. 

The confidentiality of your data is not compromised during the process. You are also provided with a Certificate of Destruction that verifies the completion of your particular shredding task. Furthermore, make sure you aren’t only taking their word for it. Request to see a copy of their current certificate and hire the most trusted for your unique needs. 

Do not compromise the safety of your data. Ethically and efficiently destroy your data with a NAID AAA Certified shredding company. Get in touch with your nearest service provider for a quick quote.

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The Importance of Onsite Shredding For Your Business

From information safety to operational efficiency and compliance needs, data shredding helps businesses like yours with a number of things. In fact, many companies are obligated to shred their data after the retention period completes. So, partnering with professionals lets you stay ahead of your data destruction practices. However, onsite shredding keeps you even another step forward. And here are a few reasons why onsite shredding offers guaranteed safety and peace of mind:

There is a flexible and accommodating shredding schedule working right around your needs.

Onsite shredding also takes the pressure off your employees and saves their precious time.

There is minimal opportunity for a data breach to occur.

It mitigates the risk your documents might have when transported to the shredding facility.

You can achieve your data security goals more effectively and affordably with shredding right at your doorstep.

When you hire someone reputable, the entire team will be checked and vetted for guaranteed safety of your particular shredding job.

Plus, you have that much-needed peace of mind with a witnessed shred, not having to track where your documents travel, and everything happening right on your premises.

You can use the shredding service not just for paper but many other non-paper items like hard drives or other digital media.

A shredding service that also values sustainability will offer efficient pickups, disposal, and recycling.

Onsite shredding makes sense for both one-time as well as purge shredding to ease your shredding stress.

The bottom line is that onsite security shredding is much superior to regular shredding schedules. The process is straightforward – when the time comes, the shredding trucks arrive at your facility, unload the locked consoles, shred the items on your premises, and take away the shredded stuff for reuse and repurposing. You get your Certificate of Destruction (COD) to assure the job has been performed, and you can get rid of all the data that could have put your reputation at risk.

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5 Important Documents to Shred Right Away

Identity thieves have so many ways to steal, including business paperwork. So the list of what to shred can be seemingly endless. As a rule of thumb, you must shred PII or Personal Identifiable Information first. But again, it can be challenging to know what contains PII and what doesn’t. Check out these five items you must shred right away once their retention period is complete or when these are of no use:

Junk Mail

Have you been tossing away junk mail into the trash? Do you know the consequences it can have? Well, given the critical details it contains, including your name, address, and banking data, someone can actually take out credit on your name, leaving you on the hook. Your junk mail contains a lot of sensitive information that data criminals can use to tarnish your reputation, drain your bank account, and blemish your credit report.

Financial Statements

You can put yourself at greater risk by not discarding financial statements correctly. Also, that simple office shredder cannot suffice your needs. You must invest in a cross-cut shredder to entirely do away with these documents. It helps eliminate every trace of your personal information after the retention period completes. You can also hire the services of a reputable shredding company or probably attend a community shredding event for affordable shredding.

Canceled Checks

No matter how digital we get, canceled checks are here to stay for quite a number of processes. So, if you are retaining physical copies or prints of these, shred them right away. Canceled checks contain personally identifiable information that can put you at risk if available to scam artists. Even if the bank has been permanently closed, it is always better to shred the checks and lower the chances of scammers attaining your valuable data.

Shipping Labels

Before throwing away the packages in the bin or for recycling, instruct your mail room employees to get rid of the shipping labels. These can contain a lot of your business information that can be taken advantage of in malicious ways. If that seems troublesome, at least scratch the details, such as the business address, tracking codes, and account numbers, to reduce the threat of identity theft. Also, these address labels can get stuck in an inefficient office shredder. So make sure you use a superior office shredder for better performance. You can also partner with paper shredding professionals to have the peace of mind that your data isn’t in the wrong hands.

Post-It or Sticky Notes

This one’s another item that many businesses don’t but must shred. It is, in fact, an uncommon item you must be shredding. You may be taking down phone messages and client details or writing passwords and other sensitive information and simply crumpling them to throw in the trash. This way, the data can be even more compromising than a business spreadsheet or fiscal data. So, protect your business and discard these notes safely, or they can be a massive security hazard.

The Bottom Line

The list above is pretty concise. There are many other items like travel-related documents, IDs, and images that you must be shredding. So, when in doubt, speak to a professional and be safe than sorry. In addition to information and identity safety, shredding helps clear or at least reduce business clutter, ultimately keeping you organized and avoiding information risks. So, wait no more; get in touch with a local shredding company to get started.

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Now Is the Time to Go from One-Time to Routine Shredding

If you’re a business owner, you know that shredding sensitive data is your legal obligation. It protects your business from data breaches and identity theft. If you’re already shredding – great. But if you’re making frequent trips to the dump yard or your recycling bins are filling up faster, time to change your shredding policies.

Switch to a Recurring Shredding Service

Routine shredding is a great way to save you from frequent trips to the dumping area carrying the load yourself. Besides, your documents remain safe from prying eyes as you consistently shred them with professional services. A reputable and certified shredding company will also provide proof of destruction, ensuring you’re following the necessary local or state laws. 

You can schedule a drop-off or pick-up and benefit from their services each time. It also increases employee productivity since they’ll have more time for important tasks without worrying about shredding loads every weekend. Many companies also recycle the shredded material for security shredding. So, not only does it protect your data, but it also helps you meet your environmental obligations.

When you partner with an expert, they can offer personalized packages. Once you agree to the suggested plan, they’ll place locked bins at your premises where you can keep collecting the documents to shred. Once those bins are full, schedule a pick-up, and the company reps will load to containers, shred on-site, produce the certificate for the job performed, and leave. If convenient, you can drop off the loads at their shredding facility, and they can take over from there. 

All in all, having a routine set for shredding ensures you eliminate any possibility of risking your sensitive information in the future.

Get Started Today

You might hesitate to make the switch, but talk to an expert, and they’ll help you understand your options. Recurring shredding won’t affect your budget as severely as legal ramifications from identity theft while pushing your business over the edge. Routine shredding is only time, money, and effort-saving. So get started today and experience complete safety with your data.

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How to Safely Dispose Of Shredded Paper?

Paper shredding is a safe and convenient method to dispose of personal or professional information. But what should you do with the resulting shredded material? Disposal techniques make all the difference in the safety of your data. So, here’s what you must know to completely and safely eliminate the shredded material.

Disposing Of Shredded Paper

When disposing of your shredded paper, it’s important to remember how important your data is and the shredding technique utilized. If you’ve shredded unimportant stuff, it can be thrown away in the trash. But if there’s sensitive data on the paper and it’s sliced into simple strips that you feel can be put together, putting it in the trash can be concerning. So, here are some tips on how you can discard heaps of paper without compromising the safety of your information:

Pack Stuff

You can definitely use this material to store fragile stuff. Just put different bits in different boxes and place your items on top. But make sure the pieces are small or thin enough not to reveal any sensitive information.

Use at the Fireplace

This is another excellent method to get rid of any shredded paperwork. Use this paper as a fire starter, and you can eliminate both small and big loads all at once. It saves you from identity theft as everything will be lost in fumes.

Different Trash Cans

If at all you’re trashing the shredded paper, make sure you don’t throw the pile together as a big bundle. Randomly throw away all pieces in multiple cans. Sounds a little too demanding? But it’s definitely cost-effective and safe. Just pick different days and different cans on your way to work, gym, home, or grocery shopping, and you’re done.

Compost

Compositing is eco-friendly, but make sure you don’t add heavily inked or glossy paper. Understand the kind of paper you can put in compost and that, just like trash, you’re putting your compost pile out in the open, risking it to someone you wouldn’t want to find it. So, beware of this method.

Recycle

Looking for an environment-friendly way to eliminate shredded paper? Get in touch with a local recycling facility to help you with your load. Make a few calls, request multiple quotes, and partner with someone reliable and experienced to see whether or not recycling is suitable for your shredded paper.

Pick-Up/ Drop-Off Service

While professional services do come at a price tag, they’re the safest when it comes to secure paper shredding and disposal. So, if you value safety and deal in confidential data, hire a trustworthy paper shredding company for the best service. They can shred your paper at your convenience, in the safest ways, and even recycle stuff to ensure there’s no trace of information risking your data or identity.

Final Words

Once your documents serve their purpose, it is crucial to shred and dispose of them safely so the confidential information doesn’t land in the wrong hands. However, while you are at it, don’t forget to keep the processes safe and environment-friendly. Paper comes from trees that give us oxygen, so it’ll only be respectful to keep that in mind along the way. For any professional assistance, contact your nearest shredding company to discuss your options and achieve your business goal optimally.

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The History of Paper Shredders

Paper shredders aren’t really a hot topic. They don’t receive as much attention as any other commercial equipment. But shredders have a fascinating history that led to the myriad innovations we see today.

The First Ever Patent

The earliest known patent was filed in New York City in 1909. Abbot Augustus Low was the one to submit the patent but couldn’t see the device materializing during his lifetime. He died and could never see his patented device working.

Fast forward to 1935, Adolf Ehinger made the first ever paper shredding machine to supposedly destroy his anti-Nazi propaganda, eliminating the chances of being questioned by any authority. Ehinger knew he needed a way to safeguard the information he was producing, hence, inspired by the pasta maker in his kitchen, the aktenvernichter (or paper shredder) was born. 

His device had a hand crank mechanism to cut the paper, and everything got pulled through, just like a pasta maker. He received a patent for his invention in 1936.

Massive Popularity Post WWII

Following the Second World War, Adolf Ehinger replaced the hand crank with an electric motor to popularize the machine among financial institutions and governments. Threats of espionage amid the cold war brought his paper shredder to the limelight. In 1959, he even introduced the first ever cross-cut shredder for added security. His machines were primarily used by government authorities until the late 1980s.

The Iranian Hostage Crisis of 1979

The Iranian hostage crisis of 1979 was a prolific scandal that instigated a significant change in document destruction mechanics.

A group of militarized Iranian college students seized the US embassy in Tehran and detained more than 50 American diplomats. The crisis lasted for 444 days.

The embassy staff did their best to destroy as much information as possible until the captors broke in, pieced everything back together, and sold a book-length compilation at a bookstall.

This unfortunate event prompted many notable outcomes, one of which was better, more innovative ways for the destruction of sensitive information.

Evolution of the Paper Shredder

After the 1990s, paper shredders evolved dramatically, which led to smaller cuttings, less legible shreds, and pieces that couldn’t be reassembled as easily. The process became more secure, high-speed, and widespread.

Today, shredders continue to evolve, particle sizes are getting even smaller, and techniques are improving. It is also affordable for average customers to shred confidential information at home and office with DIY shredders.

The 1988 California v. Greenwood verdict indicated curbside garbage as public property. Thus, concerned over privacy issues, Americans resorted to better paper shredders. In addition, the development of FACTA and HIPAA legislations in the US helps combat identity theft to an altogether different level.

Start Protecting Your Data Today

While the history of shredders dates back to the 1990s, the practice still holds immense importance. In fact, the need for shredding documents hasn’t been so crucial ever before. If you are someone who deals with a lot of sensitive information, make sure you partner with a dependable shredding company to destroy the data in compliance with the relevant laws and procedures.

Remember, someone’s trash can be someone’s treasure, and cutting or tearing paper isn’t the solution. Your identity can be at stake. Hire someone competent and reliable to do the job thoroughly.

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Where Can I Shred My Business Documents for Free?

If you are a business owner, you understand that shredding your sensitive documents after their retaining schedule is critical. It helps dispose of your sensitive information beyond reconstruction and saves you from identity theft or data breach. But did you know you could shred your documents for free? To avoid your trashed confidential information from becoming someone’s treasure, shred your paper with quality shredders, and what’s better than a nearly free service?

Shredding Events Are a Go-To Solution

Free shredding events, also called community shredding events, continue to grow in popularity. Also known as shred-a-thon or shred fest, these are a common solution for those looking to purge documents at a budget. Companies deploy numerous shredders for big and small jobs, where you can witness the entire process.

For your information, these events aren’t entirely free. There may be volume restrictions or a flat fee, whatever the company demands. In addition, the shredded materials may or may not be recycled.

Retail Store Shredding Is Another Alternative

If you can’t find a shredding event near you, retail stores also offer to shred smaller loads. This can be both for members and non-members. And they could be using off-site shredding services to outsource the task, storing all documents in locked bins until the final shredding day.

Is Free Shredding Service Safe?

Your documents can often sit unsupervised and unsecured until someone comes to assist or you wait for your turn to shred. Waiting in line can be frustrating, and shredding events often work on their schedule, not what’s convenient for you. Besides, there is no proof of destruction, no chain of custody, and probably uncertified workers handling your sensitive documents. Also, finding a free shredding event near you can be challenging.

Partner with Professionals for Secure Shredding

Although free shredding is convenient and cost-effective, it lacks the benefits of professional security shredding. If you are concerned about keeping your reputation and business information safe, get in touch with a certified and trustworthy service provider. They can provide mobile shredding services for one-time or recurring needs. Plus, you have the peace of mind that your data is in good hands.

The Bottom Line

While you can attend a public shredding event and shred your business information on a budget, the safety of your documents cannot be guaranteed. If you can afford it, contact the nearest shredding company for a quick, safe, and effective shredding job.

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How to Protect Sensitive Information in Coworking Spaces?

Coworking, or communal working, allows multiple businesses from different industries to share the same pre-established space and utilize its amenities in exchange for a monthly fee. Professionals do not have to invest long-term and can benefit from a community environment.

It boosts networking opportunities, adds to everyone’s productivity, and is more prevalent among freelancers, startups, and remote workers. These spaces are, in fact, expected to double by 2024 and become the future of working.

However, as with anything, the coworking industry has its own pros and cons. With myriad advantages, there are a few risks, one of which is a lack of sensitive information management. Shared spaces can invite data breaches. Therefore, businesses must take steps to protect confidential data from landing in the wrong hands.

Keep the Desk Clear

Ensure a clean desk policy is employed, so no confidential data is left in the public eye. This is also true when taking breaks, talking to a coworker, or grabbing a quick snack. Papers containing sensitive information must be stored away in locked drawers. Moreover, the clean desk policy is a common practice in traditional office spaces and is highly relevant in coworking environments.

Use Password Protection

Never leave your systems unattended or unlocked. It prevents bad actors from illicitly going through or hacking into your confidential data. So, ensure your laptop, computer, phone, tablet, or other tech device is password protected with a strong and unique pin. Also, use a top-tier antivirus, encrypted Wi-Fi, virtual private networks (VPNs), webcam covers, etc., to avert data leaks.

Use Cloud Storage

Using cloud storage is one of the easiest ways to ensure data protection regardless of the environment you work in. Reliable data storage services like Microsoft OneDrive, IDrive, and Google Drive modernize your storage needs. These software help reduce data thefts and enhance cyber resiliency. Besides, it keeps others from easily accessing your information without your knowledge.

Grab Printed Material Immediately

Coworking spaces often share amenities like printers between all members. For this reason, never forget or delay retrieving your printed material, or you can leave it exposed to prying eyes. Also, don’t forget to fetch the original copies of your documents after printing. It helps keep your data safe and private.

Don’t Discard Paper into the Trash

Avoid discarding any paperwork into the garbage. This also applies to your dead electronic devices. Your sensitive information can be rummaged through the public trash cans and even recycling bins. So, avoid throwing away private data carelessly and into public waste bins.

Shred It All

Most spaces rely on security cameras, but you must secure your belongings with security shredding if you deal with highly confidential data. It keeps nosy individuals from going through your information, even in the trash. Some spaces might have DIY office shredders, but make sure you have a portable one for your particular needs. If not, you can also drop off your paper load at a paper shredding facility and safely dispose of all waste. 

Call the nearest shredding company to get started with your data protection needs. Professionals can ensure your data is handled safely and provide a Certificate of Destruction (COD) upon completion of the task.

The Bottom Line

Businesses love the openness, flexibility, and collaboration of coworking offices. But, these spaces are an easy target for data thieves to utilize confidential information for ill purposes. So, when you put practical and robust preventative measures in place, it boosts your business security and protects sensitive data. Fortunately, you can use the above tips to enjoy top-notch coworking safety and privacy.

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Get To Know Your Secure Shred Container

Are you looking to partner with a shredding company near you? Paper shredding is a smart investment in the safety of your business. 

It safeguards your organization against identity theft and data breaches. Moreover, a key part of this process is a secure shredding container accelerating the process. These receptacles hold all your waste paper until everything is disposed of properly. 

So, before opting for security shredding, ensure you know your bins to make informed shedding decisions.

What Is A Shredding Container?

It is a locked console that allows storing the documents you wish to eliminate until those have been picked up for disposal. Since these containers are tamper-proof, it keeps away illicit access. In addition, the bins have an opening on top, wide enough to accept paper of different sizes but not hands to pull stuff out.

Benefits of Using a Shredding Container

When you choose to partner with a shredding company, they provide complementary bins for you to accumulate all waste. It offers numerous benefits, some of which include the following:

Reduce paper and non-paper clutter

Protect confidential information

Increase employee productivity

Receive document of destruction

Mobile shredding service is also available

Types of Shredding Containers

At the outset, shredding bins look like trash cans. However, these bins have a lock that only you and the company reps can access. Usually, there are a few common sizes available, three of which are:

Shredding Cart: This is a 64-gallon container and can hold around 4 boxes of paper.

L Shredding Cart: This is a 96-gallon container and can hold 10 boxes of paper.

XL or Executive Container: This one’s a 175-gallon bin perfect for even heavier loads. It can also act as a fax machine stand.

You can also get bins of smaller sizes including 6, 24, and 32 gallons, suitable for personal or standard needs. Contact an expert to understand what fits your needs the best.

Items Permitted & Prohibited

Business documents, client files, expired tax and financial papers, contact lists, paperclips, staples, etc., can go into the bin. Dead or outdated electronics, lithium batteries, glass, infectious medical waste, office supplies, etc., are some prohibited items.

What Happens On The Day Of Pickup?

Trained, uniformed, and expert company representatives visit your facility, unlock the containers, and haul away the waste for disposal and recycling. They put the material through heavy-duty shredders before carrying it away for recycling.

 Need bins for secure shredding? Get in touch with a safe and reliable shredding service provider near you to know your options and protect your documents.

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3 Reasons Why Business Owners Prefer Mobile Security Shredding

If your business generates a lot of paperwork, it is time to opt for paper shredding services when the time comes. Every confidential document must be stored for a specific timeline and disposed of safely upon completion. Mobile services are a fantastic option and are most preferred by big and small businesses. Here are reasons why you, too, can benefit from onsite document destruction.

Mobile Trucks Come To You

Asking employees to shred the load may be feasible if you don’t have a bigger output. But can you ensure 100% information protection with DIY shredding? Also, documents have a tendency to keep piling up, so can you maintain a regular shredding schedule?

Mobile shredding is a perfect solution when you are busy, and shredding the bulk yourself may not be feasible. When the time comes, and your business reputation can be at stake, call in professionals for security shredding. 

Big trucks equipped with industrial shredders come to you, collect your documents, shove them into the shredder, and destroy all materials onsite. You are provided with a locked receptacle to store your records safely until your scheduled appointment.

It Is a Witnessed Shred

Since mobile shredding trucks come to your facility to perform the service, you can see the process firsthand. Yes, you are more than welcome to witness the shred right before your eyes – for your peace of mind and entertainment. Also, if you are highly concerned about your liabilities from data leaks, this is the very opportunity for you to witness the entire procedure and feel satisfied with the safe handling and destruction of your sensitive documents.

You Get a Proof of Destruction

To further put your worries to rest, a certified shredding company provides the Certificate of Destruction standing as proof of the services performed. It demonstrates that the company did a responsible job and details all the sensitive data that has been destroyed. Besides, it helps you stay compliant and away from unnecessary liabilities.

To Conclude

Hiring shredding professionals ensure your business complies with all the data privacy laws regarding the safe storage and disposal of personal information. Partner with a qualified, experienced, and dependable shredding service provider to accommodate your unique document destruction needs and experience why other businesses love mobile shredding so much.  

Happy shredding.

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Industries That Require Paper Shredding the Most

Document shredding is a professional service you don't realize you need until you're a victim of information fraud. Don't let your business reputation and data land in the wrong hands. Every business, small or big, requires a protocol for properly disposing of the information they are dealing with. If you're unsure which industries shredding services cater to, here's a quick look at the businesses that can benefit from secure shredding.

Education

Educational institutions deal with tremendous administrative burdens. The institute size can vary, but even on the lowest end, it can mean a lot of confidential paperwork to keep track of. Considering that, sensitive education information is at great risk. Protecting this data must be a priority, and a reliable document destruction company can play a vital role in shredding waste paper beyond recognition.

Financial

Financial professionals are trusted with some of the most vulnerable data. Several legal statutes determine how long this information must be stored. Once this period completes, every financial institution must make an effort to dispose of confidential information safely, and there's nothing better than shredding. Not only can service providers provide you with paper shredding, but hard drive data destruction is also one of their services.

Healthcare

Medical frauds are commonplace today. No matter how many efforts go into taking data to digital platforms, there's still much paperwork involved. Besides, even digital information can be at risk of theft. Thus, HIPAA-compliant shredding is necessary enforcement for the healthcare sector. It mandates shredding PHI until it is impossible to reconstruct.

Legal

Legal entities, too, maintain a vast amount of valuable legal data. It ensures that this data isn't misused or leaked. So when these documents are no longer needed, law offices schedule an appointment with a certified, reliable, and experienced shredding company to toss the waste paper in heavy-duty industrial shredders, rendering the information useless.

Manufacturing

Identity theft is also a fast-growing crime in the manufacturing industry. So, how can business owners protect their data and reputation? A proper document shredding protocol can help manufacturing facilities remain safe, on track, and compliant. It securely disposes of the sensitive data, adds to the facility's efficiency, and is both times- and money-saving. Besides, getting Proof of Destruction saves you from accusations and liabilities.

Remote Businesses

Since the pandemic, businesses have moved to remote work. Many are still following the same policies. But handling information with remote working can be challenging. Documents are torn and tossed in the trash. These are easily retrievable to commit information fraud. So, businesses can inform employees about community shredding events, arrange mobile shredding for direct collection, or ask them to deposit all documents at a fixed schedule into office storage.

Key Takeaway

Any physical record maintained by industries can contain much information about the business and everyone associated with it. However, every business is required to retain this information for a certain period. Once all documents pass this date, it is necessary to get rid of them safely and practically.

Shredding is a quick, trustworthy, and environment-friendly method to destroy confidential documents. So, look up experienced professionals near you to help you with your shredding needs. Get multiple quotes and finalize the one that you feel most comfortable with.

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Protect Your Small Business Against Data Theft

Today, more than 60% of small to mid-sized businesses are victims of data breaches. But why do identity thieves pick on small businesses? They don’t seem to be a lucrative target and barely have any significant assets. Right? No, that isn’t true. Any business's most important possession is its intel, its sensitive business data. If this information is in the wrong hands, it can risk your business reputation and finances. So, it isn’t in the organization size but the type of data you deal with. Top it up with a lack of data security measures, and the vulnerabilities multiply 10x.

Although cybercrimes are on a year-after-year increase, digging through public trash for documents containing sensitive information is also a form of data theft. In addition, the activity cannot be deemed illegal as the trash is on public premises. Garbage becomes public domain, especially when left outside the property or by the curb. For this reason, you cannot expect privacy, and any documents thrown in the trash become someone else’s treasure.

Remember, your trash can reveal enormous private information about your business, clients, employees, and shareholders. Even if you tear, cut, or shred your documents, criminals can easily reconstruct them. So what can you do to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and cybercrime?

Employ strict data security protocols

Train your staff on secure data destruction practices

Don’t throw confidential documents in the trash

Hire professional shredding service providers for shredding waste paper

Keep your digital database absolutely secure and access restricted

Encrypt emails, use frequent scans, and password protect all data

Lock it all up and safely store confidential documents

Dispose of paper waste with care

Have on-site shredders or opt for professional security shredding

Maintain a safe record of the location of files and those discarded

Paperwork you can shred includes sales records, business leads, tax details, mailing receipts, client details, employee payroll information, and more. So, make everyday office life safe and easy. Stay abreast with the latest safety programs. It might sound like a lot of work, but when done and done right, it can be advantageous for the success of your business. Your data is gold and thus at very real risk. Stay proactive and have plans to safeguard your company in the long run.

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4 Information Security Tips Every Business Owner Must Know

Operating a business – be it big or small – isn’t an easy feat. Not only are the logistics time-taking, but securing all facets of the company can also be challenging. Businesses must immunize themselves against the ever-increasing cybercrimes and information theft or fraud. Criminals often target small businesses as they make an easy target due to a vulnerable security mechanism. If you, too, are a small business owner, your information may be at risk. The confidential data you possess can land in the wrong hands and be utilized to commit evil activities. Your data is your most valuable asset. Therefore, here are four important tips for protecting your sensitive information.

1.    Employee Background Checks Are Crucial

It is really important to hire people you can trust and train for the betterment of the business. Have a great team by your side, and be careful who you let into your network. When hiring new people, talk to their previous employers, run a credit check, or investigate with the local judiciary. Don’t just assume that things are in order because the resume looks flawless. If the investigation seems time-taking, hire a screening specialist who can do all the hard work for you.

2.    Categorize Sensitive Data

You cannot secure your sensitive data unless you know what counts as one and where it can be stored and located. So before anything else, make sure you categorize all data based on what is confidential and what isn’t. You can also keep scanned copies within secure data management systems to reduce the risks of data theft. Once you determine what falls under the category of sensitive data and how to organize it, you get steps closer to protecting the space.

3.    Protect Digital Devices

Incorporate an employee protocol. Ensure everyone’s trained on how to secure client/ business data, identify potential scams, password protect all information, and not share sensitive information with unknown users or devices. Use a potent antivirus, regularly scan all devices for safety, and schedule hardware and software updates without fail. If you are a victim of data theft, notify your team or clients and suggest how you can help them.

4.    Formulate a Shred-All Policy

Now that you have secured all digital devices, time to tackle all paperwork. This can include junk mail, financial paperwork, tax records, legal documents, transaction receipts, etc. Don’t throw away your sensitive information in the trash. Information security specialists suggest shredding all your confidential documents beyond reconstruction. However, before shredding, ensure those documents will have no purpose to serve in the future. For example, there is usually a 3 to 7 years limit to store financial records, after which you can shred them. So, hire a reliable and reputable shredding company to shred all documents and reduce data risks as well as unnecessary clutter.

In Conclusion

While there are numerous tips on how you can maintain information security, the above four are some of the vital ones. Also, when securing your processes, you might need a little upfront investment, such as an infrastructure no hackers can crack or hiring a paper shredding specialist. However, this expense will only add to the success of your business. The ramifications of data theft can be serious, but making the best possible use of your resources will give you the peace of mind that your business didn’t make it to the headlines of the next big data breach.

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3 Reasons You Don’t Need To Invest In an Office Shredder

There are reasons you shouldn’t invest in DIY office shredders. Yes, they may be affordable and convenient, but the risks are unimaginable. So, take control over your sensitive information through better document management practices. Here are three reasons it is better to skip DIY shredding and look for more effective alternatives:

1.    They Don’t Free Up As Much Space As You Expect

DIY shredders have a limited capacity. They can handle only a specific number of pages, usually a few at once. This means that if you wish to eliminate piles in your cabinets, drawers, and storeroom, it can take weeks or months to get rid of the junk. And in the meanwhile, you’ll have more piles lying around unorganized, waiting to be shredded.

2.    Alternatives Can Be More Eco-Friendly

Eco-conscious businesses want to do their bit for the planet. And they throw away the shredded bits in the recycling bin. But did you know that if that paper comes in contact with food waste, liquid, or other contaminants, it won’t be recyclable any longer? So, if you skip the office shredder and probably work with local security shredding company, you will be 100% sure your shredded waste will reach the recycling center.

3.    There Is a Greater Risk on Information Privacy

In-house shredding isn’t as productive, efficient, and secure as you think. You can miss out on documents to shred, many can mistakenly land in the trash, and improperly sliced records can still be reconstructed. When you hire paper shredding professionals, their industrial-grade equipment cuts all papers in a crisscross manner. This material is also recycled, so there is no trace of any information. It maintains your privacy which isn’t possible with DIY shredders.

Hire Professionals for Safe, Quick, and Affordable Shredding

Shredding with an office shredder can be time talking, boring, affecting employee productivity, unsafe, and not too manageable. With professional shredding services, you can avoid the pitfalls and go for a cost-effective and safe shred. Besides, whether you have a few boxes or a room full of unwanted files, mobile shredding is the way to go, especially if you don’t want to fall victim to identity theft or other security breaches.

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5 Ways to Destroy Hard Drives & Save Your Business

Hard drives make an indispensable part of your business. Their use goes way beyond the purchase value. But, these devices must be safely stored and discarded to keep the confidential data from reaching unauthorized hands. Otherwise, your business can suffer irreparable damage.

Why Permanently Destroy Old Hard Drives?

It is crucial to dispose of your old business hard drives properly. The data is easy to recover and easy to be misused.

Your hard drive is not functioning correctly, or dead? The data is still at risk, and someone can retrieve your sensitive information and use it for ill purposes. The recovery is possible even if the drive is formatted.

If that happens, you can face blackmailing or identity fraud. To your surprise, optical drives can also withstand extreme conditions like water or brute force.

So, there is absolutely no reason you must not permanently remove the data from your business hard drives. In short, the importance of safe hard drive destruction includes:

Protection of sensitive data

Reduced risk of a data breach

Protection of the trade secrets

Compliance with hard drive destruction standards

How to Destroy a Hard Drive?

There are many simple ways to wipe off the data from your hard drives. But none of these offer a permanent solution. When you format a hard drive, the data can still be recovered in a number of ways. So, physical data destruction methods are usually suggested for a safe and complete resolution. Common methods include:

Disintegration

Many businesses choose to disintegrate their drives to get rid of their highly classified information. This way, no malicious actors can access the data on the drive as the broken pieces cannot be reassembled.

Melting

This method is effective but certainly not suitable for in-house use. The process can be dangerous as it requires dipping drives in hydrochloric and nitric acids to destroy all components.

Degaussing

You can also degauss your old drives where a powerful device scrambles all components using a strong magnetic force. This process changes the magnetic direction of the drive and leaves its platter of no use.

Drilling

Yes, you can use a drill to poke holes through the drive’s platter. This circular rotating magnetic disc holds all your data, and drilling ensures no one can abuse your sensitive information.

Shredding

This one is probably the safest, most effective, and most convenient method of all. Mobile shredding company trucks come to your location and shred the drives into tiny bits rendering the data and components useless.  

Apart from hard drives, you can also contact shredding professionals for paper shredding and eliminate any paper piles accumulating in your space. It keeps the data from landing in the wrong hands and better organizes your space. 

Contact Data Destruction Pros for Better Assistance

Data security is a significant concern for businesses holding a reservoir of sensitive data. Don’t take the destruction decisions lightly. Meticulously assess all methods for their effectiveness, long-term benefits, costs, disposal, recycling, and other factors. Apart from that, make sure you aren’t partnering with a non-certified hard drive destruction service provider. Also, DIY methods can be hazardous and ineffective. Sit back, and leave this specialist task to professionals.

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Medical Records Shredding in Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are strictly obligated to keep their patients’ medical information secure. These records consist of critical information related to patients’ well-being and can be easily misused if not handled with care. You must realize how important it is for your facility to destroy these records once they serve the purpose and safeguard your practice as well as the patients’ confidentiality.

The Risks Involved

Many serious problems can arise if medical records land in the wrong hands. Misappropriation of this information can put someone’s life at risk, and your medical practice may be liable for the consequences. If there isn’t a systematic way of retaining records, these can be easily tossed in the trash and land in unauthorized hands. In fact, when you aren’t storing your data methodically, it can be misplaced or destroyed prematurely, posing risks during audits or lawsuits.

How Can Shredding Help Your Medical Practice?

With an increase in identity theft cases and data breaches over recent years, information destruction has become imperative. HIPAA and many other privacy protection laws suggest destroying contact details, biometric identifiers, photographs, medical record numbers, unique identifying numbers, and social security numbers to protect sensitive information on medical records. The list also includes insurance plans, genetic information, medical history, diagnostic information, treatments, payments, and donations. 

These laws apply to the records in all formats, including paper and digital. Shredding services help you avoid violating legal obligations, costly penalties, or imprisonment. Furthermore, different state laws require additional measures, which again make it essential for you to dispose of PHI (protected health information) as safely as possible – not before or much after the retention period, just right in time, and with a reputable and professional shredding company.

Contact a Reputable Shredding Company for Assistance

Taking care of the sick, afflicted, and injured is what healthcare is all about. Acting carelessly with your patient’s confidential information is a betrayal of your practice and violates your patents’ trust in you. Do not let that happen – opt for security shredding to ensure proper record disposal practices are in place. With professional services, you also get proof of service to ensure the data is unreadable, indecipherable, and destroyed beyond reconstruction.