Increasing Document Security
Posted by BViews on June 25, 2008
For many years now, our firm has just been throwing the paper in the trash, with no concerns over the possible personal security risks that it presented. We figured that our locked compound offered enough security, so much so that it didn’t warrant us using a paper shredder at all.
It wasn’t until I was referred to the Identity Theft Resource Center – a non-profit organization that helps businesses and individuals resolve and reduce the crime of identity theft. Inside I found that as a business, it was our responsibility to protect our customers from the possibility that their personal information could be abused in any manner.
We decided that at this point, we needed to do something to make sure that our waste paper couldn’t be used for fraudulent purposes. We purchased a high security shredder that was to be used to destroy all paper leaving the building into a specialized locked recycling dumpster.
There have also been changes in our document handling policies and we are required to use Dahle paper shredders that have been stationed near the photocopiers for any paper that we need to throw out. We have had to take some training so that we know the new procedures, but after a couple of weeks, it becomes second nature, and everyone in the company has embraced the new document handling procedures.
Though we have not had any problems, taking a proactive approach when it comes to the welfare of our customers is paramount – without them, we wouldn’t have a business.