Whether it’s your personal document or you’re responsible for the safekeeping of others’ needs shredding documents, sensitive information must be disposed of in an effectively secure way.
Whatever the case may be, shredding is the most effective method to get rid of these vital documents at the end of their use.
Every business has confidential documents that must be properly disposed of when they are out of value. Such records include financial records, customer lists, patient records, business correspondence, internal memos, slush funds, credit card receipts, and military operations and asset records.
You can guarantee the security of your private information and your clients by using paper shredders. Shredding ensures that no one has access to such records.
Failure to dispose of sensitive information properly can lead to identity theft, civil persecution, and non-compliance with Federal Government privacy laws.
When To Shred
It is important to shred all documents as soon as keeping them is no longer necessary. This will reduce storage costs, declutter and reduce your risk of discovery which can lead to litigation.
When moving to a new home or office, you will have to choose what goes into your new home or office. Any documents considered useless should be turned into shreds.
What To Shred
It is estimated that half of all documents in existence contain sensitive information that makes them worthy of shredding.
The efforts to carefully review documents can be stressful, so you should employ a shred of all policy. Don’t leave anything behind when documents have outlived their usefulness.
Why You Should Shred
Privacy Law
The federal and state government privacy law demands that documents with sensitive information be disposed of in a way that makes recovery impossible.
Non-compliance with the privacy laws can lead to penalties and fines. When destroying paper records, legal requirements, business retention policies, and the possibility of government review and audit should be considered.
Discovery Cost Protection
Shredding documents that have reached their retention requirements is a great way to reduce the risk of the cost of discovery, which can be very expensive.
Other Reasons
- Shredding prevents identity theft
- It protects your business, customer and client
- It helps you declutter
- It makes paper recycling easier
Document Shredding Tips
- Read and follow the safety instructions and precautions highlighted in the operator’s manual.
- Inspect the shredder for fault or disrepair.
- Have a label for the documents you intend to shred. Labels like ”Soon to be destroyed”, will make such files easily identifiable.
- Inspect the document to be shredded carefully before you begin.
- Know where your shredded documents ended and how or what they are used for. The goal of shredding is to prevent the leak of sensitive information.
In summary, everyone needs shredding! Shredding your documents has a huge advantage for you, your client, and your business.
While it is essential that you shred your documents for safety reasons, it is also a cost-effective method of getting rid of them and at the same time, decluttering your space.