It’s no secret that identity theft is on the rise. In 2022, there were over 17 million victims of identity fraud in the United States alone. And with the pandemic still raging, that number will grow even higher in 2023. You are especially vulnerable to this fraud as a business owner or self-employed individual. That’s why it’s so important to take precautions and protect yourself—and one of the best ways to do that is by using secure shredding services.

What Is Secure Shredding?

Secure shredding is a process by which sensitive documents are destroyed so they cannot be reconstructed or read. This is usually done using industrial-strength shredders that reduce the paper to tiny pieces. The shredded paper is then typically recycled.

Why Use Secure Shredding Services?

Secure shredding services are essential for businesses and individuals who want to protect their confidential information. Shredded paper can’t be put back together, so it’s much harder for identity thieves to get their hands on your sensitive data. That’s why secure shredding is essential for businesses that handle personal information, such as medical offices and financial institutions. In addition to security, compliance is another critical reason to use shredding services. Many industries have strict regulations about how confidential documents must be destroyed. For example, the health care industry is subject to HIPAA laws, which require destroying patient records to protect individuals’ privacy. By using a shredding service that complies with these regulations, you can be sure that you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your customers’ information.

Security

With identity theft on the rise, it is more important than ever to be vigilant about document security. Business owners have a responsibility to protect their clients’ information. Identity theft is risky if sensitive documents like tax returns or bank statements get into the wrong hands. Shredding these documents is the best way to protect yourself and your business. Many commercial shredding services can help you dispose of these documents safely and securely. However, if you choose to do it yourself, use a cross-cut shredder so that the pieces are small enough to be unrecognizable. Shredding is an easy and effective way to protect yourself and your business.

Compliance

Depending on your industry, you may be legally required to destroy certain types of documents securely. For example, financial companies typically need to shred customer data before disposing of it. This ensures that sensitive information is not inadvertently released into the public domain. However, simply shredding documents is not always enough. Sometimes, you may be required to incinerate them or use a certified destruction service. Depending on the sensitivity of the information involved, you may also be required to take steps to prevent data recovery. Failure to comply with data destruction requirements can result in significant fines and legal penalties. As such, they are ensuring that you have a robust system for destroying sensitive documents is vital.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of secure shredding services varies depending on the quantity and type of documents you need shredded, as well as the frequency with which you need them shredded. However, most companies charge by the pound, so that a typical estimate would be $0.50-$1 per pound of documents.

Conclusion

Identity theft is a severe issue that businesses and self-employed individuals should take seriously. One of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft is by using secure shredding services to destroy sensitive documents you no longer need. These services are relatively low cost, and their peace of mind is invaluable. If you’re interested in learning more about these services, contact Chesapeake Paper Systems.