If you’re involved in a small, medium, large, or enterprise business, you’ll know the importance of data protection and privacy laws, but what’s the best way to make sure you comply legally when it comes to the destruction of your data and information?
We took a deep dive into the world of shredding and information management and came up with an essential guide on what you need to know:
- Why Do You Need a Shredding Service
When it comes to shredding, you must make sure that you minimise the risk of security breaches, otherwise, you may find yourself faced with significant financial loss as well as reputational damage. The best way to make sure that you comply with the relevant laws and regulations is to engage the services of a professional company that takes care of the necessary legalities.
- How To Choose the Best Shredding Service
There are several things to look for when choosing the best shredding services. Make sure they are suitably accredited, maintain a chain of custody through the process and provide the appropriate certificates of destruction for your records. Shredding is not just about paper, so assess your requirements and make sure they can take care of all your needs. A reputable company will provide you with a free quotation, provide one-off or regular service, and offer an on-site destruction facility if required.
- Services
It’s always a good idea to look for one-stop-shop solutions, and shredding services are no different. A top-class shredding company will offer a wide range of services far beyond just the destruction of paper documents. The best companies will be able to securely destroy things such as uniforms or clothing, credit cards, ID cards, CDs, DVDs, pill bottles, X-rays and even casino chips. In addition, they will be able to provide other services such as record and information management, translation, and digital conversion.
- Location
Whatever size business you are, having a shredding, information management and translation service on your doorstep may be an important factor, because perhaps you want to witness your documents being destroyed on-site, or maybe you just want to know that your provider is close at hand if you have an urgent need. A company that provides a nationwide service will be able to offer you that peace of mind.
- Accreditation, Compliance and Memberships – A Must-Have
Many companies say they can do a good job, but the proof is in the accreditations they have to back that up. When it comes to shredding, information management and translation services, look for a company that has a quality management system such as ISO 9001, adheres to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCIDSS), is an approved Public Records Office and Storage Provider, is a member of the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA), and is accredited for translation services. An exceptional company will also be committed to a vast range of other standards.
So, when it comes to shredding services, there is a lot more than just paper documents, and for legal compliance, a key factor is proof of destruction, so whether you have a one-off job or you are looking for a scheduled service, make sure you get a free quote from a reputable company.
