How Secure is Shredding?

One of the most important components of a business is being able to protect data. A good way to do this is by shredding any paper documents or electronic files. Knowing how safely conduct document destruction methods will not only protect the business but adds credibility for your customers. There are certain regulatory protocols to be met, and shredding helps keep security at optimal levels.

Many people don’t realize how easily their documents and identities can be compromised. The only way to fully know whether your identity is being kept safe is through proper document destruction. While there are personal shredders on the market that may provide minimal protection, businesses require professional shredding which has different types of cuts.

Secure Document Destruction

How can you safety destroy documents and ensure they won’t be compromised? Secure document destruction follows certain rules of thumb:

• Tax returns and supporting information: 3 years
• Tax returns and supporting information in a state with income tax: 4 years
• W-2s and 1099s: 6 years
• Losses from debt, stocks, etc.: 7 years

And this is just for tax-related items. There are stipulations on other documents and how long they must be kept. For businesses, it is very important to have the right people in place to monitor these regulations, ensuring the documents will be destroyed in a timely manner.

Proper document destruction is so important because identity theft is at an all-time high. Individuals can take a name and half of an address and come up with information that may financially cripple someone for years. Knowing how, why and when to get rid of documents that could compromise safety in a number of ways is key.

Professional shredding companies can also destroy hard drives and other electronic devices that have private information on them. The last thing a company should do is think they have destroyed an electronic device with simple tools. Proper destruction takes a number of step to ensure nothing is compromised.

Mobile and On-Site Destruction

Utilizing the services of an onsite shredding or mobile shredding company can help alleviate any reservations your customers may have about the security of their documents. By doing this, your information security team will be able to monitor all document destruction activities, adding an additional layer of protection.

Using professional document destruction services saves time and money. There are different options available, such as one-time shredding, regular shredding options, off-site shredding, drop offs, and for some communities, an entire shred event.

Contact River Mill Data Management

When you’re looking for a trusted partner offering safe and secure shredding services, look no further than River Mill Data Management. Servicing Columbus, Georgia and the surrounding areas since 2001, we understand the logistics and importance of proper document disposal. For more information on our services in shredding, records management, data protection and electronics recycling, contact our team today!