As many modern laws seek to better protect an individual’s data, businesses are having to adapt to ensure they adhere to the new standards. This involves a complete reevaluation of how the data within a business, as well as customer data, is handled from end-to-end. No longer are hard copies able to be simply stored away but they must also be shown to be protected under lock and key. Certain information can only be stored for specific amounts of time while other pieces must be disposed of instantly. This is an important point to note because a business’ responsibility does not simply end once it is destroyed and there must be specific factors in place to ensure proper disposal.
The majority of data issues and compromises within a business occur due to improper disposal. Corporate infiltration, such as leaked data, or identity theft usually take place because of security faults. These are hugely damaging for businesses and put every individual at risk, including customers. As we move toward more data being stored in the cloud, these events are becoming more infrequent, since cloud and digital storage is typically much more efficient and secure when compared with physical documentation. However, we are far from eliminating any reliance on such documentation and, as such, it continues to be a source of risk for businesses.
Shredding and destroying paper is consistently the most secure way of disposing of documents. There is no alternative, such as simply tearing, that assures the same quality and security. As such, it is paramount for your business’ data protection that you adopt confidential shredding. No matter what the size of your employment or office, outsourcing your disposal is a wise idea. By enlisting the help of professionals, using the most appropriate equipment, you can rest easy that your business is free from potential problems regarding data.
Reputable shredding companies will usually offer various products, typically divided between onsite and offsite disposal. Choosing onsite disposal services will see all sensitive documents, such as payslips, meeting notes, or company records, shredded under your oversight. Alternatively, choosing offsite disposal will see your data transported within a secure vehicle, to a safe location, and then destroyed.
Consideration given to the shredding and assured disposal of your company’s stored data brings about extra benefits. You will be able to demonstrate to your customers that their data is safe within your business. Since data protection is a sensitive issue for many at the moment, confidence in a company’s protection is highly valued. Furthermore, clarity of how a business disposes of its documents can also show an inclination toward environmental conscientiousness. Many professional shredding companies will also recycle your paper and card waste, reducing your business’ impact on the planet.
So, while you may have confidence in how your company manages customer and employee data, it is fundamental that you evaluate exactly where your responsibility begins and ends with data. Safe storage can easily be undermined by ill-considered disposal of physical documents.
