Secure document storage is essential for protecting businesses and people’s identities and information. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), information theft costs U.S. businesses about $24 billion annually. Although much of today’s information is transmitted and stored in digital space, most businesses and individuals still rely on physical paper documentation. In fact, about 95% of businesses still store information on paper in addition to their online databases.
Part of the reason for this is that digital information is at risk of being partially or completely erased, hacked, or stolen. Physical documents, however, are also at risk of being stolen if someone breaks in or makes copies of them. Because many physical documents contain important information, they must be stored, secured, and disposed of properly. The most effective way to destroy paper documents and ensure that none of their information can be used for malicious purposes is by shredding them.
Paper Shredding Services.
Secure shredding services are not only important for protection of identities and information, they are also required by the law for most businesses. Health insurance providers, for instance, are legally responsible for the protection and destruction of their clients’ valuable information. Federal and state laws mandate that all medical institutions have detailed and efficient means for data destruction, both digitally and physically. Businesses have several options when it comes to their paper shredding service. Perhaps the safest and most effective way to destroy physical information is through on site shredding.
On Site Shredding Services.
The advantage of on site paper shredding is that there is no need to transfer sensitive documents to another, often unknown location. By having professionals come to one’s office or secure document storage facility, one can witness firsthand the shredding of documents without having to worry about where the documents are headed before they are destroyed. On site shredding services often rely on large trucks that can shred a large amount of paper at once, then easily transport the paper waste to proper recycling facilities. Some of these trucks have cameras installed inside them so the client can watch in real time as their important documents are destroyed.
Environmental Advantages.
Document shredding services are not only valuable for the protection of businesses and clients, they also prevent office fires and reduce unnecessary clutter. Although paper is consumed in immense quantities in the U.S., most of it is recycled to reduce further waste. This recycled paper goes on to become things like paper plates, toilet paper, and other useful products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that recycling paper reduces water pollution by 35% and air pollution by 74%.
For now it is still necessary to store most information on paper. Because of this, secure document storage and destruction is a necessity for all businesses that maintain valuable information. Paper shredding services provide a simple and secure way to ensure the protection of this information.
