Whether you are running a business or for personal purposes, safeguarding sensitive information is imperative, especially given data protection regulations.
This includes the safe destruction and disposal of outdated documents that contain sensitive information to ensure they do not fall into the wrong hands.
One of the most reliable methods to destroy documents completely before disposal is to shred them. People often opt for DIY shredding using an in-office or home shredder; however, self-handling still carries hidden risks that illustrate the risks of DIY destruction of documents.
Shredding services, on the other hand, offer a more secure and reliable way for the destruction of documents to ensure complete data security of all your confidential information and sensitive materials.
Professional shredding services minimise the significant risks associated with DIY shredding and offer a more cost-effective and time-saving method to cater to your sensitive documents’ destruction needs.
Why DIY Shredding Falls Short for Secure Document Destruction?
The main reason behind shredding documents is to ensure that they are completely irretrievable. However, DIY shredding using lower-grade tools often falls short of destroying your sensitive information beyond recognition, which could lead to serious security breaches.
Their limited capabilities mean office and home shredders cannot handle large volumes of paper and other materials.
A professional shredding service provider uses industrial shredders with cross-cut and micro-cut technology that can handle large volumes of documents. Their shredders make it virtually impossible to piece the shredded documents together.
Human Error Poses a Risk
Shredding on your own also poses the risk of human error when shredding sensitive materials. This could easily place you at risk of data breaches, identity theft, and other security risks. Professional shredding services have qualified and vetted staff who ensure the secure destruction of documents and the safe disposal of all shredded materials. Their automated processes reduce the risk of human error to protect your sensitive information.
There is Often a Lack of Compliance with Data Protection Laws
A range of data protection regulations and privacy laws govern document destruction actions. Three of these include the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Data Protection Act 2018.
These laws regulate how to handle, destroy, and dispose of personal and sensitive data. Non-compliance with various laws, including the accountability act, could easily lead to fines and legal action. Improperly shredding documents could place you at risk of legal actions regarding data protection laws.
The professional services follow strict regulatory protocols and offer a Certificate of Destruction to prove their compliance with all regulatory requirements.
DIY Shredding is Not Always Environmentally Friendly
In contrast to DIY shredding, professional shredding companies offer more sustainable solutions and practices, showcasing their environmental responsibility to ensure secure destruction of documents and other materials, which reduces their environmental impact.
Office shredders, compared to professional shredding services, are consumer-grade machines that do not render shredded paper of a quality right for recycling plants.
However, industrial-grade machines from professional shredders render paper into tiny particles ideal for recycling.
Most professional shredding services follow environmentally friendly practices and recycle all shredded paper materials.
Shredding Your Own Documents Takes Time
Even though shredding your documents may seem like a cost-effective approach, it is far from it. One main issue with in-house and office shredders is that they take time, especially with large volumes of documents.
Shredding with these shredders is incredibly slow and time-consuming. Even so, most commercial shredders often require a cool-down period between shredding, which causes delays in the shredding process.
A professional shredding service can help you avoid all these inefficiencies and save you time. They are a more convenient solution that will not compromise data security, while offering you a cost-effective service.
DIY Shredding is Not As Cost-Effective as You May Think
DIY shredding may seem convenient and cost-effective until you calculate all the risks, including hidden costs involved.
The fact that it carries more risks in data security could also hold hidden costs, especially for non-compliance. On the other hand, consider the bags you use for the disposal of shredded material and the time and electricity spent on shredding, not to mention regular maintenance.
All these costs add up, particularly when considering the potential gains for identity thieves, which then proves that professional shredding is a much more cost-effective method.
In-Office and Home Shredders Are Limited in DIY Document Destruction
Home and office shredders are often no match for heavy-duty industrial-grade shredders. They cannot handle large volumes of documents or various types of materials in comparison. DIY shredders often break or get stuck, which leaves you with critical, sensitive documents that require document destruction.
Data Breaches and Identity Theft are Still a Significant Risk with DIY Paper Shredding
Data breaches and identity theft are much more significant risks when you use a DIY shredding method. Because commercial shredders don’t shred paper into small enough particles, someone can easily reassemble the paper strips with some effort.
Professional shredding services, however, use industrial shredders to cut sensitive data and paper into completely irretrievable particles, so reconstruction is impossible.
Why Professional Document Shredding Services Are The Smarter Choice
Now that we have considered all the risks and discrepancies involved with DIY shredding, let’s take a look at how a professional shredding company compares.
They Offer Enhanced Data Security Measures
Professional shredding companies prioritise the importance of data security and take every precaution to safeguard your confidential information. They use secure locked containers for the transportation of documents before shredding in a safe, monitored facility.
They also offer a certificate of destruction to prove they destroyed your documents in compliance with all security regulations and laws. Furthermore, the company monitors and vets its staff to ensure safety and qualifications.
Shredding services offer businesses and individuals a secure solution for all their sensitive client or customer data, thereby ensuring effective data destruction.
It is a Saving Convenience
The biggest advantage of professional shredding is, of course, the convenience. Professional service providers offer tailored solutions for your business and individual needs. They also offer an on-site shredding service so that you can monitor the shredding service for extra security.
You can use their once of or regular scheduled services to ensure that all your shredding services needs are met.
They Offer Cost-Effective Services for All Your Document Destruction Needs
Comparing in-house or in-office shredding to shredding services regarding costs is often an eye-opener. Professional services charge per container and shred your documents quickly and efficiently, adhering to the General Data Protection Regulation. This reduces the risk of hidden costs, paying for maintenance, and hours lost shredding yourself..
In Conclusion, Professional Data Destruction is a Secure and Reliable Choice
As a business or even individual looking for a smarter, safer and more cost-effective method for document destruction and disposal. A professional shredding service is the most reliable.
Whether you require one-off shredding or routine scheduled shredding, they offer many solutions to meet your needs.
The security measures and efficiency of a shredding service are unparalleled, not to mention the fact that their practices are sustainable.
I am a skilled writer, proficient in creating informative and engaging content for my audience. With my enthusiasm for security and environmental factors, secure document shredding has sparked my interest.
I have a strong research background and a deep understanding of the importance of secure document shredding today, especially with the rise of the digital era. My passion lies in educating businesses and individuals on the importance of protecting their sensitive information and the necessity of secure document shredding and recycling.
Through my well-researched articles, I hope to inspire and educate my readers on the complexities of document shredding, safeguard privacy, and emphasise the importance of contributing to sustainable efforts.
Furthermore, I am committed to raising awareness about data security and waste reduction. Every blog post I create follows strict and meticulous guidelines to ensure that my readers receive valuable and factual insights into the vast landscape of the shredding service industry and data security practices.
