How Safe Are Shredding Services? A Business Blueprint for maximising security
In today’s world, data security is more important than ever. With the ever-growing risks of identity theft and data breaches, many businesses and individuals in the UK are turning to shredding services to guarantee sensitive documents and data is properly destroyed.
But just how safe are shredding services, and what should you look out for? In this business blueprint, we explore the types of shredding services available and how your business can use them to maximise security efforts.
Why Shredding Services Matter for Security
The primary purpose of shredding services is to provide a secure way to destroy confidential documents. This prevents sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Businesses handling personal information, such as financial or medical records, must ensure this data is disposed of securely. Shredding is not only a legal obligation for some industries but also a key practice to safeguard against potential risks.
Understanding the Types of Shredding Services
There are two main types of shredding services available: on-site and off-site shredding. Each option comes with its own set of advantages in terms of security and convenience.
On-Site Shredding
On-site, or more commonly known as mobile shredding, allows businesses to witness the destruction of documents at their own premises. A shredding vehicle will arrive at your business premises and the documents are shredded immediately. This method provides the most transparency of all the different types of shredding because you can see firsthand and verify that the destruction process has been carried out correctly.
Off-Site Shredding
With off site shredding, documents are collected from your business premises and taken to a secure facility for shredding. While this is a very convenient option, some businesses may be concerned about the transportation process, as documents leave the premises. However, fully compliant and trusted shredding service providers use secure transport methods and offer certifications of destruction to ensure document safety.
What Makes a Shredding Service Safe?
Not all shredding services are created equal. The following factors contribute to the overall safety and reliability of a shredding service:
Certifications and Compliance
Trustworthy shredding companies are certified by organisations such as the UKAS accreditations. These certifications ensure that the shredding company adheres to strict security standards. Here are some of the most common accreditations and compliance to look out for when choosing a shredding services service provider:
UKSSA (United Kingdom Security Shredding Association)
The UKSSA is a UK accreditation that is only available to businesses providing the highest standard of compliance and showcasing market-leading standards of service. UKSSA members must follow top secure destruction standards, ensuring customers’ materials are handled safely. Once a service provider achieves this accreditation, they will then be re-audited every two years to ensure standards are being maintained.
ISO 9001
This UKAS accreditation is widely recognised in the industry as the international standard for quality management systems. The ISO 9001 certification demonstrates dedication to delivering a high-quality service that satisfies business requirements.
ISO 9001 can also incorporate EN 15713 which is labelled as the standard specifically relating to the secure destruction of confidential information.
Cyber Essentials
This accreditation is a government backed scheme in the UK that helps protect an organisation from cyber-attacks. Whilst this accreditation is suitable for all businesses in the UK, it’s important to look for shredding companies with a Cyber Essentials accreditation because it means their data is also protected from potential breaches.
Chain of Custody
A secure chain of custody is crucial for ensuring documents are safely destroyed. This includes maintaining control over the documents from the time they leave your possession until they are shredded. A reputable service will provide detailed logs and certificates of destruction, documenting each step in the process.
Advanced Shredding Technology
Modern shredding technology is designed to completely obliterate sensitive information. Cross-cut or micro-cut shredders reduce paper into tiny particles, making it virtually impossible to reconstruct documents. By using advanced shredding equipment, the risk of data breaches is minimised.
Choosing the Right Shredding Service for Your Needs
When selecting a shredding service, it’s essential to consider your business’s needs. For businesses handling large volumes of sensitive information, on-site shredding may offer more peace of mind. However, off-site shredding can be a cost-effective solution for more regular, bulk document disposal.
Additionally, inquire about the shredding company’s protocols for handling different types of materials. Beyond paper, many shredding services offer destruction for hard drives, CDs, and other WEEE waste that may contain confidential data.
Final thoughts…
In summary, shredding services can provide your business with a highly secure method of disposing of sensitive documents. Whether you choose on-site or off-site shredding, the key is to work with a certified and compliant provider that holds the relevant accreditation. With industry-leading security measures in place, shredding services helps protect businesses and personal information from potential threats.
When choosing a shredding service, prioritise transparency, accreditations, and the use of advanced technology to ensure the highest level of safety for your data. Reconomy works with industry-leading partners in the UK and is here to help all businesses with secure shredding services, no matter where you are based or how much waste you have.