The Importance of Confidential Paper Shredding

Paper shredding is a simple process but one that has become increasingly essential for every business today. Most of us are aware of the potential dangers of sensitive documents that are left unprotected and how this can lead to business identity theft. However, recent regulatory change has also increased the need for regular paper shredding in order for compliance standards to be reached. As a result, confidential paper shredding has become one of the most important internal processes for any organisation keen to develop and grow within legal frameworks.

Maintaining compliance standards

When the GDPR came into force in 2018 it brought with it some significant penalties for those businesses failing to protect data through key safeguards such as confidential paper shredding. New fines – up to €20 million or 4% of turnover – could be particularly difficult for any business to handle if the requirements of the regulations are not met. The GDPR puts the responsibility for safe data disposal at the door of the businesses generating and processing that data – as a result there is nowhere to run if your organisation hasn’t implemented confidential paper shredding and other key protections.

Protecting the business

Information is power, as the saying goes. Businesses today generate vast volumes of data and much of this ends up on paper documents. Failing to dispose of this safely can leave sensitive and confidential information – from payroll through to prototype designs – accessible to anyone who wants to get to them. That could be a criminal looking to use them for identity theft or a disgruntled employee who wants to take revenge.

Securing business critical data

Every organisation creates business critical data on a daily basis, whether that is a strategy document or the figures involved in financial projections and forecasting. This information should be kept confidential while it is required and then securely disposed of as soon as it is not. Business critical data that falls into the wrong hands can lead to a range of difficult outcomes, from enabling competitors to get ahead to negatively influencing public perception of your brand.

Green credentials and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Clients, consumers and collaborators are increasingly focused on buying from, and working with, businesses demonstrating values and vision that align with their own. CSR is an area that is currently very much under the spotlight, especially when it comes to establishing green credentials via more sustainable choices and environmentally friendly business processes. Committing to a regular schedule of confidential paper shredding makes it much easier to meet CSR expectations. Shredded paper is far simpler to recycle and will not contribute anything to landfill. If your business is keen to make CSR a priority this year then switching to paper shredding as an option for document disposal is a very simple way to do it.

Confidential paper shredding is an important part of the process of data protection for any business. It supports improved CSR profile and also makes it easier to ensure compliance standards are reached.

Find out more about our confidential paper shredding services by calling our team today on 0800 181 4106 and to obtain an online quote click here...

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