Shred-it’s Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions

With identity theft, fraud and other information security threats on the rise, protecting your data has never been more critical.

Yet with so much misinformation out there, not everyone has the facts when it comes to data protection. To help, Shred-it has answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on information security.

Is shredded paper recyclable?

Yes! By putting documents in Shred-it’s secure consoles, you can rest easy knowing that your confidential documents are safe and that you are being environmentally responsible. When you use Shred-it’s services, your documents are shredded and then ultimately recycled. From there, recycled paper is turned into everyday paper products. If documents are put in the garbage, rather than a secure Shred-it console, the risk of a data breach increases significantly, not to mention the environmental impact.

What is information security and why is it important?

Information security refers to the protections put in place to safeguard data. This is important because one single data breach has the potential to cost a business millions of dollars in revenue and incalculable losses to its reputation and customer base.
 
When the stakes are this high, you need to work with experts to ensure the privacy and safety of your business documents are prioritized. Rather than put you or your business at risk, protect yourself and ultimately save money in the long run by working with a professional shredding service company.

What is the best way to destroy a hard drive?

Only physical destruction ensures the data on an old hard drive is 100% destroyed. Erasing, reforming or wiping old hard drives is not enough. In fact, as long as the drives are physically intact, all of your private information can still be retrieved. Shred-it's hard drive destruction service uses specifically designed hydraulic crusher or shearer machines to destroy your hard drives so that data can never be retrieved or reconstructed.

What is the biggest threat to data security?

The biggest threat to data security is the concerning disconnect between the perception and reality of information security threats. Shred-it’s 2019 Data Protection Report (DPR) reveals how Canadian businesses are in denial about the serious impact data breaches can have. Without implementing proper employee training and workplace policies such as a Clean Desk Policy or a Shred-it All Policy, they are putting themselves and their customers at risk.

What business documents should be shredded?

Although individual needs may vary, Shred-it’s Knowing What to Shred fact sheet provides direction on how you must protect the personal data and confidential information of your customers, employees and your company. Remember, it is not just good practice – it is the law.

For peace of mind, implement a Shred-it All Policy at your workplace to ensure ALL documents are destroyed. This keeps information confidential and takes the guesswork out of what and what not to shred.

To learn more about how Shred-it can protect your documents, please contact us to get a free quote and security risk assessment.