If you need to install new lights in your workplace, do you call on a local electrician for expert help? When you need office supplies, do you have a vendor you can call? Does an accounting firm help you file your taxes? Do you trust other companies to handle your landscaping, snow removal and office cleaning needs? Do you need a confidential data destruction company?
You can’t specialize in everything. If you’re going to keep your employees focused on doing the work you hired them to do, relying on other local companies is a must. You turn to others to help you stock your supply shelves and file your taxes – are you putting the same effort into protecting your company’s data security?
Do You Need a Confidential Data Destruction Company?
Some people might assume that their data destruction needs are too minor to warrant working with a confidential data destruction company. A boss or manager who’s concerned about controlling costs might think, “Hey – we have a shredder in the office and employees who know how to use it; why would we outsource the shredding of our confidential documents? It probably only takes the receptionist a minute to shred things.”
But if yours is a busy workplace, you’re probably generating more sensitive documents than you realize. A heavy-duty office shredder is an investment, and these machines tend to jam and need replacing often. Then you have to think about how much you’re paying that employee to do shredding, and what other tasks aren’t getting done while they’re focused on shredding. Plus – are you 100 percent sure that the person in charge of shredding won’t ever take a shortcut and pitch all those sensitive documents in the trash to save time?
Think beyond paper files, too. Does your business make physical products? Do you have a secure way to dispose of off-spec or damaged products that you can’t sell? Even if you don’t sell physical products, you might create models or prototypes, or receive proprietary products from vendors that it falls to you to destroy. If you have any items that you can’t afford for your competitors or the general public to get their hands on, you can’t risk throwing them in a Dumpster and hoping for the best.
Next, ask yourself: How concerned am I about data security? Is there financial, legal, medical or personal information in our files that could allow data thieves to access private accounts or commit identity theft? What would the fallout be if I ever had to tell my employees and/or clients that we’ve experienced an avoidable data breach, and that they’re now vulnerable to theft?
All of which is to say – if you’re generating a significant quantity of shreddable data each week, or if you’re at all concerned about data security, working with a confidential data destruction company is in your best interest. Also keep in mind that state laws and/or industry-specific guidelines may actually require you to follow certain measures and keep records around data destruction. If it’s important that you be able to prove that you permanently destroyed certain sensitive data, going the DIY route just isn’t sufficient.
What to Look For in a Confidential Data Destruction Company
Ultimately, your confidential data destruction company should make your life easier. You’ll want to work with a company that offers a full range of services, including scheduled pickup services using locked and alarmed vehicles. If you prefer to deliver items for shredding, you should have that option available too.
Consider all the types of data you might need destroyed, both right now and in the future. The company you choose should have the capacity to shred and destroy not just paper files but all data-storing devices, including hard drives and ID badges. If you do make physical, proprietary products, will the confidential data destruction company you choose be able to process and destroy those items?
Because data destruction isn’t your specialty, it’s hard to know what company to use, and how to assess its trustworthiness. One feature to look for? AAA certification from NAID (National Association of Information Destruction). Only data destruction companies that meet strict compliance and security standards are eligible for NAID AAA certification. NAID completes an initial audit of any company that applies for AAA certification, then performs surprise audits on an ongoing basis. During the certification process, NAID verifies that the data destruction company is in compliance with all industry regulations, and both company owners and employees go through a rigorous background check.
It’s important to note that NAID AAA certification is completely voluntary. Only companies that adhere to the highest standards seek out this certification. When you’re looking for a data destruction partner you can trust, look for one that has proved itself worthy of AAA certification.
Northeast Data Destruction is proud to have maintained NAID AAA certification since 2008. Our security measures are designed to protect your data and your peace of mind. From the time we pick up your items in a sealed, GPS-tracked vehicle, you’ll know that your confidential data is safe. You can also drop off your shreddable material at our facility, for a reduced charge. We can even schedule a time for you to come witness the destruction of your items.
Let us take something off your plate so you can focus on what you do best. Contact Northeast Data Destruction today to learn more.