Maintaining data security and confidentiality is essential for any business operation. However, there are situations such as document disposal that can put your company’s information at risk of a data breach. For offices with large amounts of documents, hiring a document shredding company might help destroy anything confidential. Outsourcing this service is worth considering they have better shredding equipment and through at their work. Still, you need to be cautious when choosing a paper shredding company. Below is a guide on what to do before hiring a shredding service:
1) Companies Reputation
A well-established shredding service assures you that your data will be kept private and secure. Research the service’s status to help you make a more informed choice and protect your organization’s data. To determine the reputation of a service, you should ask for references from their previous clients. You can also check the reviews and ratings on their website or social media pages. Ensure you hire a shredding service Charlotte NC with a good track record in providing this service and keeping information secure.
2) Certifications
The right company should be certified, licensed, and accredited in information security. You should hire a paper shredder that is PCI compliant and certified by the National Association for Information Destruction. The third-party certifications prove they have met a set of requirements and trained in handling confidential information. Moreover, you will have peace of mind knowing they are approved, and any sensitive information will be safe with them.
3) On-Site Shredding Services
Having the papers shredded in your office reduces the risk of data theft. Companies that offer on-site shredding come with their trucks and equipment to your location. This method minimizes data breaches that occur during transportation or storage. Therefore, you should always ask if the company offers on-site work to maintain the confidentiality of your documents.
4) Security
If the company does not offer on-site service, it should have secure equipment on its premises. The document shredders should have secure containers and seals to keep papers before they are shredded. Proper security and producers ascertain that your documents get protection from any unauthorized access. It should also have a secure chain of custody from the collection at your office to destruction. Moreover, the offsite shredders should have only one designated and trusted specialist with access to confidential information.
5) Employees
Some companies are qualified and legit, but their workers may cause of the data breach. It is advisable to confirm the companies hiring process before using their services. Check whether the employees undergo background checks and confidentiality training. If they pass this criterion, you are confident that your documents will remain secure.
6) Offer Additional Destruction Services
Besides documents, there are other items you might need to dispose of that contain your confidential information. They include computers, hard drives, and other media devices with sensitive data that can be retrieved. It is best to find an all in one service that will help you destroy any confidential data in these devices before disposal.
