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Disposing of your company’s’ documents securely and responsibly is fundamental to both good business practice and the protection of you and your employees’ data. Since the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in 2018, it is now more pressing that this data is handled, stored, and disposed of with utmost consideration. Your company’s secure handling of data is enforced by law and, for the safety of your greater business; it is paramount that this is done to a high standard. Furthermore, your responsibility does not end with internal security. The data within your company remains yours until it is entirely disposed and destroyed. As such, you should be entirely confident in your methods of erasing and destroying data.
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It is highly recommended that you utilise a professional contractor to assist with this responsibility. A reputable external company that can assure high security and efficient shredding is a great asset. When selecting a confidential shredding company there are qualities that they should offer so that you may rest assured that your confidential waste is disposed of correctly.
Firstly, it is important that the shredding company assure total security from the moment the data is placed in their hands, whether it leaves your business or is disposed of on site. This involves competent staff who recognise the risk involved with sensitive information. The handling and transportation of the information requires the same treatment and security as implemented within your own business. This prevents any compromise that may leave your confidential information and waste vulnerable.
Secondly, total transparency is essential. To be comfortable with your information being handled you should be offered certification and assurance that the data has been shredded and destroyed completely. Records should be offered in case of any breach that may invoke inspection or audit. It is key that both you and your chosen shredding company are able to show that, at each step, the data was kept confidential and disposed of to regulatory standards. Some companies will even allow you to supervise at every step of the way.
Thirdly, many companies will offer to destroy data on non-paper storage devices, such as and CDs. One of the best ways to assure that no data can be recovered from an old storage device, alongside degaussing, is its physical destruction. A suitable confidential shredding company will also be able to dispose of such devices, nullifying any data they may contain. It is also beneficial that these devices avoid landfills, so as not to be recovered at all.
Finally, be sure to find a shredding company that will dispose of your waste as ethically as possible, and within the UK. It is a certainty that the majority of your business’ waste is suitable for recycling once it has been suitably destroyed and it is sensible that your shredding company disposes of it in such a way. Responsible handling reflects well on the shredding group and your own company.
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