Many individuals and businesses decide whether to handle it themselves or hire a professional service when it comes to document shredding. While DIY shredding may seem cost-effective, it can expose you to significant security risks.
The potential for identity theft, incomplete destruction, and human error are just a few of the dangers associated with DIY shredding. On the other hand, professional shredding services offer higher levels of security and peace of mind.
Incomplete Shredding
DIY shredders, especially home-use models, often fail to shred documents thoroughly. Many low-cost shredders are not designed to handle large volumes of paper and may leave parts of sensitive documents intact. This could leave personal or financial information vulnerable to theft. Professional shredding services use industrial-grade equipment that ensures documents are shredded into tiny, unreadable pieces, offering a much higher level of security.
Inconsistent Shredding Quality
Shredders designed for personal use can vary greatly in quality, with some leaving strips of paper that can still be pieced together. On the other hand, a professional shredding service consistently follows strict shredding protocols, ensuring all documents are completely destroyed with no risk of sensitive information being reconstructed.
Security During Transportation
When you handle document shredding on your own, there’s a risk associated with transporting those documents to a shredding facility. During transit, your documents could be exposed to theft or loss. Professional shredding services typically use secure trucks equipped with locked bins to safely transport sensitive materials. The shredding process is often done on-site, adding an extra layer of security.
Compliance Risks
Certain documents need to be destroyed according to specific laws, such as HIPAA or GDPR. DIY shredding may not meet these regulatory requirements, exposing you to legal risks. Professional services are certified in compliance with privacy laws and provide certificates of destruction.
Lack of Accountability
With DIY shredding, there’s no verification of document destruction, leaving room for error. Professional shredding services provide certificates of destruction and detailed reports. This offers assurance that all sensitive materials are properly handled and disposed of.
Choosing between DIY and professional shredding services can significantly impact the security of your sensitive documents. DIY shredding may leave room for mistakes, increasing the risk of data breaches. Professional services use industrial-grade equipment and follow strict protocols to ensure the complete destruction of documents. Hiring a professional shredding company reduces the risks of identity theft and legal exposure while providing reliable and secure document disposal.
Jessica’s Shredding Team, a proud woman and minority-owned business, offers confidential destruction of paper materials, e-media, and hard drives for both business and residential clients. With a commitment to affordability, security, and exceptional customer service, Jessica’s Shredding Team stands out in the industry. With over 22 years of experience serving the Greater Bay Area, Jessica brings three generations of knowledge in document security to every project. Specializing in the destruction of confidential documents and media, our fully insured facility ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Trust Jessica’s Shredding Team for your shredding and media destruction needs. Contact us today.
