Selecting-the-Right-Shredding-Service

Selecting the Right Shredding Service

27 April, 2020By

There is no doubt that shredding is the most effective method for disposing of sensitive documents and information that are no longer required. On the surface, do-it-yourself shredding (or using an in-house shredding machine) may appear to be the most cost-effective and efficient option. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that do-it-yourself shredding incurs unforeseen costs that can accumulate swiftly, including:

Operational Expenses:
Beyond the initial purchase of your own shredding machine, ongoing maintenance expenses must be factored in, including labour, materials, and emergency costs in case of machine malfunctions.

Time and Employee Productivity:
Every minute an employee spends operating the shredding machine detracts from their regular responsibilities.

Heightened Security Risks:
Inexpensive in-house shredders typically produce paper strips that can be easily reassembled, exposing your business to risks. Not only do in-house shredders make your business more susceptible to hackers attempting to reconstruct shredded documents, but there is also a greater likelihood of employee errors. Research often cites human error by employees as a primary cause of data breaches. When employees who are not adequately trained in handling confidential information are tasked with shredding their own documents, there is no established chain of command to ensure compliance with relevant privacy laws.

In conclusion, it is advisable to entrust professionals with the proper disposal of sensitive and confidential documents. Professional document shredding has become the de facto industry standard for securely destroying confidential data. If you are contemplating the evaluation of a professional document shredding partner, consider the following three questions:

1. How frequently does our organisation require professional shredding services?

  • Many organisations find that a regularly scheduled monthly shredding service offers the best daily protection. The advantages include secure, locked consoles in your office, scheduled pick-ups, and a Certificate of Destruction after each service.
  • Organisations with fewer documents to dispose of can securely discard confidential documents and media at one of ZircoDATA’s secure drop-off locations.
  • ZircoDATA’s services are customisable, ensuring that document destruction aligns with an organisation’s unique document management needs.

2. Whom should we rely on to dispose of our confidential data securely?

  • It is crucial to collaborate with a partner possessing the experience and expertise required for data security.
  • They should be qualified and certified to prioritise document security throughout their processes.
  • A professional shredding partner should also furnish a Certificate of Destruction after each shred. Beyond providing peace of mind, a Certificate of Destruction serves as evidence that your information is no longer at risk and that your organisation complies with relevant privacy laws.

3. Do we have hard drives and other media (USBs, etc.) for destruction?
Many old hard drives contain confidential and easily recoverable information. If your organisation’s hard drive disposal process involves erasing or wiping old hard drives, employee and customer information may still be vulnerable. Choosing a partner that provides a secure chain of custody at every touchpoint, allows for flexibility in terms of frequency, and assures that hard drives have been destroyed can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your business.

ZircoDATA’s destruction machines are engineered to obliterate hard drives, rendering data irretrievable. ZircoDATA also issues a Certificate of Destruction following each hard drive destruction service. Beyond these questions, consider the values you wish to see reflected in the service provider you envision partnering with. Whether it involves supporting more sustainable business practices or giving back to the community you serve, the partner you select should align with your cultural values.

Ready to take the step towards safeguarding your information? Commence by contacting us for a free quote or to discover more about how ZircoDATA can protect your documents.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for your convenience and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should not take, or refrain from taking, actions based upon the content of this article. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Please seek professional legal advice.