Why Paper Isn’t All You Should Be Shredding
Top 5 Reasons to Shred Your Business Documents
Prevents identity theft- The law requires it
- Reduces clutter
- Protects the environment
- Helps protect your business reputation
While these are all legitimate reasons to shred paper documents that contain private information, there are items in your business that need to be shredded for the same reasons. Use this list to identify anything in your office that might also need to be shredded.
Hard Drives
It’s not enough to just delete the data on a hard drive. Hackers make it their business to retrieve data. Just because the information isn’t printed on paper doesn’t mean you’re at less risk of a data breach.
The only way to be 100% sure that the data on your hard drives cannot be retrieved is to have them physically destroyed. Just drilling into or hitting the drives with a hammer does not guarantee that the information can’t be retrieved, which leaves you and your business non-compliant with data privacy laws.
A reputable shredding company has the capability to shred hard drives to offer complete confidence that no information can ever be recovered.
Media
CDs, floppy disks, tapes, X-rays, and USB drives can all contain personally identifiable information (PII) that can result in a data breach if not properly destroyed. It may be tempting to simply recycle them, toss them in the trash, or attempt to destroy them yourself, but the most secure option is to use the services of a local, reputable shredding company. Attempting DIY media destruction is unsafe and costly in the long run.
Electronic Devices
Laptops, tablets, smartphones, fax machines, multifunction printers, copiers, and other electronic devices may contain sensitive information. Storing or discarding these items without properly destroying them is risky. Give yourself peace of mind by having these devices professionally shredded.
Branded Products
If your company has any kind of branded products like clothing with your logo, awards, sales slicks, ID cards, business cards and the like, they should never be sold, given away, or discarded.
Building a good business reputation takes a lot of time, energy, and money. If a branded product ends up being worn or used improperly or in the commission of a crime, your business reputation could suffer irreparable damage. You could even find yourself named in a lawsuit.
Follow these basic guidelines to decrease your potential liability:
- Staff should return all branded uniforms and equipment at the end of their employment.
- Use a product destruction service instead of storing, selling, giving away, or discarding branded items.
- Damaged or recalled products should also be destroyed to avoid liability and protect the company image.
It only takes one person or unfortunate event to cost your business its reputation or leave you legally liable. Take steps now to protect your business by working with a reputable, local shredding company.
Richards & Richards is Nashville’s oldest NAID AAA Certified shredding company. Not only do we securely shred paper, electronic media, and branded products, we also recycle. For help with any or all of your shredding needs, simply give us a call at 615-242-9600 or complete the form on this page. Our friendly shredding experts are ready to help!
