If you’re dealing with confidential client files, financial information, or employee files, you can’t throw them away in the rubbish bin. Data breaches can destroy your reputation and ruin your business. That is why it is a wise decision to hire a professional security destruction service. These professionals discard your information safely, lawfully, and permanently.
How can you tell which security destruction company is the right fit for your needs? Selecting a trustworthy company goes beyond internet search. You have to research their credentials, processes, and reputation.
Here are the guidelines that prevents you from picking the wrong team to protect your sensitive data, listed below:
1. Check Their Certifications
A reliable destruction organization will always have the proper certification. You must check NAID AAA Certification accreditations. It will guarantee that the security destruction services provider practices what is best in the industry. Further, they stay within high security standards of data or document eradication.
Moreover, certifications are evidence that the company holds regular audits and safe practices. Don’t shy from demanding any evidence of certification before you sign a contract. It will give you peace of mind and security for your business against legal threats.
2. Ask About On-Site vs. Off-Site Services
Professional destruction companies typically give two main options, such as on-site and off-site destruction. With on-site services, they will come to you with their equipment and will destroy materials on your premises. Off-site services means they pick up your documents or hard drives and destroy them in their facility.
However, on-site services ensure that you can monitor everything and manage high-security measures. Normally off-site options are cheaper and even follow high precaution standards. Consult with your destruction services provider regarding both options and select the one that better suits your privacy and budget needs.
3. Review Their Process
Before selecting a provider, ask them their entire destruction process. It includes methods of collecting material, transporting, destroying, and disposing of the materials. A reputable company has a clear and transparent workflow.
Further, you should know how your data moves from one end to the other. It will be compliant and trustworthy for you. A good process eliminates the chances of human error, theft, or mishandling of data.
4. Make Sure They Offer Proof of Destruction
After the material is destroyed, you will receive a Certificate of Destruction. This paper attests the destruction of documents was carried out according to security standards and legal acts.
This certificate is important for records for future audits or as evidence for legal compliance. It also protects your business from allegations of data mishandling. Make sure that your provider always includes proof of destruction in their regular package of security destruction services.
5. Ensure They Handle All Types of Materials
Your business may require more than paper shredding. Sensitive information may be available on hard drives, USBs, CDs, ID badges, and even branded packaging. Obviously, a high-grade security destruction company will deal with all types of materials, not just documents.
Moreover, a full-service provider ensures that all your confidential items are destroyed appropriately, whatever form they are in. It is also an excellent way to be organized and save time during audits or cleanups.
