In the era of rampant data breaches and identity fraud, accountants play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive financial information. With over 11 billion records stolen in the US between 2008 and 2020, the importance of choosing the right shredding company to securely destroy financial documents cannot be overstated. This article outlines key considerations for accountants when selecting a shredding company to ensure the protection of client and business data.
1. High-Quality Staff:
The foundation of a reliable shredding company lies in its personnel. Accountants should prioritize companies that conduct thorough background checks on their staff, including drug and alcohol testing, interviews, and confidentiality agreements. A competent shredding company invests in training its staff on privacy laws, retention requirements, and current procedures, ensuring they are knowledgeable experts in their field. By choosing a company with a rigorous staffing selection process, accountants align themselves with professionals who prioritize customer needs and respect the sensitivity of financial information.
2. Chain of Custody:
Maintaining the integrity of the chain of custody is crucial for accountants entrusted with clients’ personal information. Accountants should select a shredding company that provides secure shredding collection containers to protect information between disposal and destruction. Additionally, the company should employ respectful, uniformed, and insured document specialists to handle sensitive data. A Certificate of Destruction, verifying compliance with state and federal privacy requirements, adds an extra layer of assurance that the shredding process is secure and complete.
3. Industry Standards for Excellence:
Accountants should opt for a shredding company with NAID AAA Certification, a gold standard in the industry. This certification ensures that every aspect of the company’s facility and operations meets rigorous industry standards. Regular audits by trained and accredited security professionals provide ongoing verification of secure data destruction compliance with privacy laws. By choosing a NAID AAA Certified shredding company, accountants can be confident that their clients’ information is protected and destroyed in accordance with the highest industry standards.
4. Recycling Initiatives:
Beyond data destruction, environmentally conscious accountants should look for shredding companies that go the extra mile with recycling. Shredded materials, primarily paper, constitute a significant amount of recyclable material that can be repurposed instead of ending up in landfills. Recycling not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also protects trees, benefiting the land, animals, watersheds, and the atmosphere. By selecting a shredding company committed to recycling, accountants can simultaneously protect their clients’ financial information and contribute to environmental conservation.
CI Information Management, a NAID AAA Certified company, stands out as a reliable choice for accountants seeking a secure shredding solution. With a focus on high-quality staff, a robust chain of custody, adherence to industry standards, and a commitment to recycling, we provide comprehensive services to keep accounting business information secure and compliant. To explore customized shredding solutions contact us at 509-586-6090 or complete the form on this page. Trust your information with the experts committed to protecting both your data and the environment.
