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Why do we need to destroy our sensitive business information?
There are several compelling business reasons, including to:
- Protect the privacy of your customers, clients and employees.
- Protect against identity theft and information-based fraud.
- Safeguard your proprietary information.
- Protect your company from liability.
- Comply with state and federal laws.
What laws, for example?
The Federal Privacy Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act are a few of the more recent and prominent federal laws that require organizations to protect certain private information of individuals.
What about at the state level?
In Washington state, SHB 2015 was enacted in March 2002 to require entities that collect non-public information from individuals to take reasonable steps to destroy personal, financial and health information.
What kinds of documents need to be destroyed?
It varies by business and industry, but some common categories include:
- Medical records
- Accounts payable and receivable
- Financial information
- Insurance forms and records
- Legal documentation
- Payroll records
- Business correspondence
- Research and classified information
- Customer and client lists
- Proposals
- Personnel records
- Contracts
- Lending documents
How often do they need to be destroyed?
That, too, depends on your business and industry. You need a comprehensive records destruction program to make sure you're protecting your customers, employees and company, as well as complying with all applicable state and federal laws. Ask your security officer or risk mitigator(s) for the timetables appropriate for your business.
How can we develop a program?
That's what we help you do through consultation, the training and education of your employees, and the actual creation of a company-wide program for your particular business. We also provide the specialized equipment and services to destroy your sensitive business information.
Why can't we just shred our documentation in-house?
For one thing, it can cost you thousands of dollars in lost employee productivity and maintenance. More important, though, "shredding" isn't the same as "destroying," and therefore isn't the most secure method for disposing of your sensitive business information.
What's the difference between "shredding" and "destroying"?
Whether done in-house or by an outside service, traditional shredding is cutting documents into thin strips. Guess what: "Shredded" documents can be reassembled. True destruction, on the other hand, is when materials are demolished beyond recognition and impossible to reassemble.
How can we guarantee that our documents have been completely destroyed?
The best way is to use our mobile, on-site document destruction service. Our "destroy" technique - which meets U.S. Department of Defense specifications - demolishes documents into random-sized pieces and degrades the integrity of the ink used in the documents, making it the most secure method for the permanent destruction of your sensitive business information.
Why is your service done on-site?
Again, it's the most secure. We completely destroy your documents in our state-of-the-art vehicle before we leave your premises. (You're always welcome to watch.) You're eliminating the risks associated with transporting your documents to a plant where they sit to be sorted. Plus, on-site document destruction is efficient and cost-effective.
Can we still have our materials recycled?
Yes. After completely destroying your sensitive business information on your premises, we transport it to a recycling center so it can return to the marketplace as paper and other products. |
