Author Archives: Security in Shredding

About Security in Shredding

Specialising in secure confidential document shredding services with a reputation for exceptional security, customer service. Delivering value for money and the utilisation of leading technology compliant to the highest security standards within the industry.

Adopting A Secure Document Shredding Strategy For Business

Posted on by
Reply

 confidential shredding, clean desk policy

A secure document shredding policy is integral to any business and protecting customer data is legislative. The Data Protection Commissioner implements the provisions of EU Directive 95/46. Not only are these regulations that require businesses to shred documents securely, but it is also part of running a business and maintaining a positive business reputation.

Why Businesses Need To Securely Destroy Documents?

Every day, companies create paper documents and these documents require shredding. Practically any document that contains data and especially sensitive data needs to be shredded. In particular data containing the following would be regarded as sensitive data:

  • Person’s Name
  • Address
  • contact information
  • Account Details
  • Credit Card Details
  • Budget Reports
  • Medical Reports
  • Payroll information
  • Legal contracts
  • Receipt Information

This is a snippet of what data to shred any and all documents should be securely destroyed by a secure document shredding service.

How This Data Can Be Used Against You?

Not only is forgery and fraud a major issue but also there is of course the potential for bad publicity, loss of customers and lawsuits to name but a few of the dangers. Identity theft is a common issue with data breaches. Criminals will use this data to either make purchases or obtain more data under the pretence of your name.
It is important that all businesses shred or destroy certain sensitive documents. Law enforcement, legal industries, government agencies, banks, health care providers, insurance providers, financial brokers, and real estate are just a few industries where managing paperwork is crucial.

How To Manage Business Documents Safely & Effectively?

A detailed security policy for every type of document your business handles is essential and employees need to know these policies before starting work.

For example:

What are the shredding requirements for the various document types that your company frequently uses? What are employees allowed to photocopy? Incorporating a reputable Confidential Shredding Company that has a good track record. While also training employees about the correct method of destroying sensitive documents and ensuring correct secure policies about how long to hold and when to destroy documents.  Access to company records should be controlled and restricted to a small number of trusted individuals and there should be rules relating to access of these records. A notification or logging system can also be in place to account for what and where data is being used.

At Security In Shredding we operate throughout Ireland and frequently do business in areas of Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford areas.

For a more information on Shredding confidential paper Services & data destruction service, please visit: www.securityinshredding.com

Like, Subscribe to our Twitter: @Securityinshred

5 Reasons to Hire a Data Destruction Service Provider

Posted on by
Reply

Media Destruction Data Protection

Confidential shredding is available in the Limerick area provided by Security In Shredding. Incorporation a data destruction service into your business practice is beneficial for your data security and data protection. While also being a good recycling practice.

Top 5 reasons why you should hire a Data Destruction company such as Security in Shredding:

  1. Data Security

In order to protect confidential information and reduce the risk of a data breach, Security in Shredding advise to outsource data destruction requirements to a professional, certified service provider. All data containing personal information must be securely destroyed when it reaches its end of life.

“An office shredder simply can’t provide the same security as a professional company. A reliable document destruction company provides a secure chain of custody, from the time the documents are collected, through to shredding using cross-cut shredders, and ends with” a Data Processing Certificate after each service delivery.

  1. Compliance

It is not just simply destroying documents that are no longer needed, but it is both best practise and it is in Data Protection Legislation.

data destruction and collection service

  1. Saves Money

By outsourcing your data destruction requirements you are cutting out the cost of purchasing an in house shredding machine, maintenance costs resulting in saving money. You are also reducing the amount of employee down time spent on the shredding of data resulting in the employee being 100% focused on their own job.

  1. Convenience

A renowned shredding company will provide the client with lockable receptacles and locate them in suitable and convenient locations around the building. These locations will be previously identified with the client to ensure the employees have ease of access to place paper data awaiting destruction.

At a prearranged date and time Security in Shredding will arrive on site and remove and replace the receptacles of paper for destruction with little or no disruption, for shredding.

  1. Additional Services

There are a number of other mediums of confidential data that needs to be destroyed. Out of date PC’s, e-data carriers and storage devices also require destruction when the data on them reaches end of life. Research has shown for example that wiping a hard drive is not a guaranteed method of destroying the e-data contained within but physical destruction is the most reliable method of destruction of data. You have total peace of mind that the data is 100% beyond reconstruction.

For more information on a data destruction and media destruction service, please visit: https://www.securityinshredding.com/limerick-shredding-services.php for more information. We are also available throughout the country along with Limerick our paper shredding is available in the Dublin, Galway and Cork areas.

Follow us on Twitter @Securityinshred and please like, subscribe and share.

How to incorporate Recycling into Data Management Security

Posted on by
Reply

Improve Office Environment Usage

Many organisations are unfamiliar with how to incorporate methods of recycling in the workplace whilst maintaining Data Security. Shredding companies in Ireland can provide you with a recycling service for your business.

Security in Shredding recommend to have the following;

  • All open and unsecured paper recycling bins in the workplace replaced with Security in Shredding’s lockable office friendly consoles. The benefit of using these consoles is that you know your confidential documents are safe from prying hands and eyes. Your documents cannot be retrieved as the consoles have bevelled slots.
  • Each and every desk should have a specific paper waste bin that is used only for office paper waste. At the end of each employee’s working day, the employee takes the waste paper bin to the lockable console and empties the contents into the console. If an Organisation implements and enforces this process, it will greatly reduce the risk of a possible data breach. As many data breached are as a result of human error, the employer is not relying on the employees to distinguish the confidential paper from the non-confidential paper. This Policy is call a Shred-All Policy.
  • A service provider that employees security-vetted staff to conduct service deliveries. The client has assurance that the personnel whom handle the confidential documents have received extensive security awareness training and have a great understanding of Data Protection Legislation.
  • A service provider whom provides its onsite and offsite shredding services via shredding technologies that are certified to Shred No. 6 of the EN 15713 shredding standard. The benefit of having a Data Destruction Service Provider whom is certified to this shredding standard is that you have total peace of mind and you know that the shredding service is off its highest level.
  • The vast majority of organisations are Data Controllers. Therefore these Data Controllers should most certainly use a Data Processor to processes its confidential data when I reaches its end of life. A Data Processor should issue its client a Data Processing Certificate detailing the quantity of material destroyed, the material type, date of destruction, name and location of the client and the shred number and shredding standard the material was shredded to. The certificate is proof of destruction and allows the client to keep track of data destruction for compliance and other data management purposes.
  • Security in Shredding transport all destroyed paper material to licensed and permitted recycling facilities. The paper material is sent to paper mills. Printing ink is removed and the material is turned into pulp and it is then used to manufacture new paper products. An interesting fact; one tonne of recycled paper saves 17 mature trees and reduces carbon emissions.

By implementing these changes you are contributing to making your organisation greener and whilst increasing the level of data security. For more information on a paper / document shredding service please visit our site for more information.

www.securityinshredding.com 

Clear-out Shredding & File Purging

Posted on by
Reply

clear out paper shredding

We all know the saying “A clear space a clear mind” and clutter builds quite easily without you realising. A document clear-out of old documents is available. At Security In Shredding we offer an excellent clear-out shredding service both on site and off site shredding is available.

De cluttering your office space will give many positive benefits for yourself and work colleagues. For a number of reasons listed below:

  1.  Gives back your space

Paper documents take up space. While you might only leave few documents lying around, over time these build up into large piles. This takes away space in the office that could be used for a better purpose. If the documents are in a pile this could mean that a) the documents served their purpose and no longer in use and b) its and not an organised pile. If this is the case then it is time to hire a secure shredding service.

  1. Eliminates dust and mites

Any item left idle for an extended period of time will gather dust. Dust presents its own problems. For some people dust can cause asthma flare ups. There can be other factors that cause asthma flare ups but with a clear space will make it easier to clean the area and prevent dust from gathering.

With dust comes dust mites. These bugs are microscopic to the eye and are everywhere. Not necessarily representative of a dirty office but can cause irritation to people with asthma.

  1. Large quantity removal in one easy process

We receive a massive amount of documents over time. Be it brochures, newsletters, advertisements and or your own documents on top of that. Most likely these will get recycled but the documents that are left around that had a purpose and were kept as reference. After a while we can forget what was left where and newer documents get put on top of the old.

There is a potential here of sensitive data getting mixed in with these documents. Chances are it won’t happen but in case there are confidential documents then hiring a on site secure shredding service will remove all your documents in a large quantity.

At Security In Shredding we regularly preform clear-out shredding of documents and confidential documents. With all this new space available there will be “so much room for activities.”

Please visit our site and contact our team for a consultation about clear out shredding. Please like and subscribe to our social media. Join the conversation and

Follow us on Twitter here: @SecurityInShred

Earth Day – Friday 22nd April 2016

Posted on by
Reply

Shredding Event & recycling

A paper shredding event in Limerick today. Recycling office paper is one of the simplest ways a workplace can do its bit to contribute to helping protect the environment and celebrate Earth Day 2016.

Security in Shredding is assisting Limerick City and County Council by participating in a waste prevention and recycling event at Mungret Recycling Centre from 1pm to 3pm. Not only are the members of Security in Shredding team going to be there to destroy your confidential documents but they will be there to assist both householders and SME’s with any questions they may have regarding the importance of data protection.

The question we need to ask ourselves is does your recycling process protect your confidential information?

“Earth Day was started in 1970 as a way to focus attention on the environmental problems on our planet. This year the Council is holding an event focusing on the 5 R’s, namely Rethink, Reuse, Restore, Repair and Recycle.”

In 1970, the movement gave voice to an emerging consciousness, channelling human energy toward environmental issues. Forty-six years later, we continue to lead with groundbreaking ideas and events throughout the country.

As security breaches are at an all-time high, it is extremely important that every workplace makes data security a priority in the day to day running of their business and incorporate green office strategies and resourcefulness in the actions and celebration of Earth Day every year.

This great public event provides SME’s and householders with a great opportunity to have their confidential paper material shredded on-site to promote Earth Day and the importance of Data Protection. “Shredded paper recycling, for example, saves trees. In fact, every two consoles of shredded and recycled paper saves one tree.”

So call down to Mungret Recycling Centre on the 22nd of April 2016 and avail of the fantastic facilities that are available to celebrate Earth Day 2016.

Security in Shredding look forward to meeting you there and answering any questions you may have. Join in on the conversation at @securityinshred

The New European Data Protection Legislation

Posted on by
Reply

“Cannot be ignored by any business.”

Security In Shredding on site service

At Security In Shredding when shredding confidential documents we must comply by the EU standards. These standards along with the Data Protection Commissioner ensures that our work is done to the highest quality. Security is paramount and failure to comply with these laws can result in a hefty €100,000 fine. These laws also apply to all business that handle sensitive data.

The EU Data Protection Rules that are expected to come into force in 2018 will have an effect on all business and cannot be ignored according to legal experts in the field. The final text was agreed upon in December 2015 after years of negotiations and analysis.

The new regulation is aimed at harmonising the European Data Protection Legislation and reforming the outdated EU directive on Data Protection and replace all inconsistent laws across the European Community.

Even though the digital economy is at the core of this new regulation it is ESSENTIAL to note that physical data is also covered and holds the same fines and penalties which are described below.

One of the most eyebrow raising and awakening points from the new regulation is not only that it gives rise to increased compliance requirements but breaches in compliance are backed with heavy financial penalties which have turned out to be up to 20 million or 4% of annual turnover, whichever is the greater.

The journey to compliance

From the experts here at Security in Shredding; Organisations approach to comply with the GDPR will need to include three key components; These are:

#1) a compliance journey

#2) a transparency framework and

#3) enforcement, sanctions and remedies framework.

The compliance journey requires Organisations to classify the personal data in their possession; complete risk assessments; apply privacy protections into all existing and new business operations; employ and empower dedicated data protection officers; monitor and audit compliance; and document everything they do with data and everything they do to achieve legal compliance. All data stored electronically and physically will have to be managed appropriately. Waste paper will have to be destroyed through certified data processors and not enter general waste streams.

The new transparency framework will mean that Organisations need to redevelop how they engage with external people including all external vendors that process material for them, service such as paper shredding, external invoicing, digital data destruction and marketing will all have to review how they process information and give clear and full information on what is happening to personal data.

The new enforcement, sanctions and remedies framework will give appointed data protection officers high authority to make decisions for the protection of personal data and achieve compliance for their Organisation.

Please visit our site for more information on shredding confidential paper.

Join in on the conversation on Twitter @securityinshred

 

 

Common Mistakes Businesses Do When Maintaining Security Of Sensitive Data

Posted on by
Reply

Answer;              

Not properly classifying the sensitive information, managing it accordingly and in turn protecting it against current threats.

 

Secure Paper Shredding Hard Drive Shredding WEEE Destruction

 

As you read this from your mobile, tablet and or computer you are viewing data digitally. Paper shredding in Ireland and industrial paper shredding services offer data protection services for said devices. Knowing technology pitfalls is a massive part to data protection while also knowing how and when to share your digital information must also be considered.

There are three critical points to the proper protection of sensitive data.

  1. Data Classification

In line with European Standards; Companies must understand what data needs to be protected and create a Data Classification Policy. This policy in turn will classify data based on sensitivity. At a minimum three levels of data classification are needed.

    • Restricted: This information requires very high protection, Unauthorised dissemination would have serious terminal consequences for the company and infringe trade confidentiality obligations, contracts or laws. It is essential that the confidentiality of personal data is maintained. Otherwise there is a risk to the health and safety or personal freedom of the affected persons.

All data that reaches its end of life should be destroyed to a minimum of Shred No.6 of EN 15713 to ensure destruction beyond reconstruction.

    • Confidential or Private: This is moderately sensitive data that would cause a moderate risk to the company and could infringe legal obligations or laws if compromised. Access is internal to the company or department that owns the data. There would otherwise be a considerable risk to the social standing and financial situation of the affected persons.

All data that reaches its end of life should be destroyed to a minimum of Shred No.4 of EN 15713.

    • Public: This is non-sensitive data that would cause little or no risk to the company if accessed. Access is loosely, or not, controlled.

All data that reaches its end of life should be destroyed to a minimum of Shred No.3 of EN 15713.

 

  1. Encryption – All Organisations should have an encryption strategy in place to ensure all staff are aware and capable of utilising it correctly. The essential element to a good encryption strategy is to use strong encryption and detailed key management.

 

  1. Cloud Misuse – Essentially cloud storage translates to storing your data on someone else’s computer. When it is uploaded, the control over it is no longer only yours. Encryption should always be implemented prior to uploading to the Cloud. It is always advisable to read through the cloud providers policies with regard to handling data.

 

The most important thing for business is to be aware of the technology pitfalls. Secure document destruction in Ireland and its data protection laws are different to other countries. While the laws may be different country to country, the method of data breaches are usually the same. The more you know the better you can protect yourself and business from data breaches.

For more information on a secure document shredding service in the Dublin, Cork, Limerick or Galway area please visit: www.securityinshredding.com

Feel free to join in on the conversation @securityinshred

Top 5 Workplace Security Tips

Posted on by
Reply

secure data, workplace security

Workplace Security does not just mean a simple office shredder. Data Protection comes in many forms and is worth knowing these methods.

Data Protection is an important part of business practice. Paper shredders are often used to shred confidential documents. Your standard office shredder does not provide adequate security when shredding. An Industrial paper shredding service will provide a secure document destruction method for your business to use.

Along with paper shredding, there are many other forms of security you and your business can incorporate into everyday practice. We live in an age where data breaches are becoming more and more common which makes protecting this data ever more important. Digital data is now an area of protection and is often overlooked. These over sights is what cyber criminals will prey on and thus a Data Breach will occur causing severe damage to your business reputation.

 

Tip 1: Outsource your secure and confidential document destruction requirements to a certified professional Data Processor whom is reputable and reliable.

Tip 2: Enquire with your current data destruction provider about their e-media services. Hard drives and other types of media should either be shredded or crushed to ensure all the electronic data is securely destroyed and beyond reconstruction. If your service provider does not provide same, contact a member of our team whom are more than happy to help with your enquiry.

Tip 3: Choose a Service Provider that uses secure certified document destruction technologies, lockable consoles and/or locked 240 Litre wheelie bins, issue Data Processing Certificates and operate with a secure chain of custody.

Tip 4: Appoint a Data Compliance Officer in your Organisation whom is responsible for ensuring compliance regarding the correct management of both paper data and digital data within an organisation.

Tip 5: Conduct regular staff refresher training days regarding the importance of information security and the processes associated with same. Have training material prepared and on hand for induction training when new employees begin.

 

For more information on paper shredding and confidential document destruction in Ireland please visit: www.securityinshredding.com

Firms Not Insured For Data Security Breaches

Posted on by
Reply

Security in Shredding Data protection & destruction

This topic is becoming more and more common. Shredding confidential paper is widely accepted practice for Data Protection. At Security In Shredding we understand the benefits of document shredding.

We also believe in have a proper digital data destruction system in place for your business. The Data Protection Act requires you to ensure your data is maintained and is not vulnerable to Data Breach.

A recent report from Risk:Value NTT Com Security, questioned 1000 non IT-Business across the UK, USA, Germany, Switzerland, Norway and France asking if they had insurance to cover data security breaches. 1 in 10 had data protection insurance.

With the increase in Cyber attacks globally and small businesses are targeted. It not just activists attacking multi national corporations. Any business if vulnerable may be attacked. It pays to have the adequate insurance in place. Now more than ever does this kind of insurance become applicable. With mobile devices, tablets and hard drives widely available, people are not as aware of the pitfalls of these devices regarding Data Security.

An Insurance policy will help against Data Leaks and Breaches. Data Protection methods must be in place as there may be certain criteria in place to be covered by the policy.

Risk Management Policy

Having an insurance policy in place is fine nothing wrong with it but Data Security comes down to your business having security measures in place that prevent data breaches. How your business handles sensitive data and who has access to it must be business practice.

The disposal of data must also be considered, a confidential document destruction service can be incorporated. These services can be availed on site or off site with collection available. Depending on your business location will effect what type of service is used but confidentiality is paramount when operating.

Digital devices should be password protected and encrypted where available. Sending emails and texts can now be encrypted end to end which will improve your Data Security in public areas. Whatsapp a free SMS messaging application that offers encryption which is a simple but easy protected communication service.

When devices are no longer in use it is recommended that these devices are destroyed if they are no longer in use.

Document Shredding Services Ireland

At Security In Shredding we offer secure shredding service for your Data Protection needs. Please Like, Subscribe and Comment to our blog.

 

Why Hard Drive Security Is Vital To Data Security

Posted on by
Reply
Data Destruction, Data Security, Digital DataHard drive destruction should also be incorporated with your document shredding process. Data Security comes in many forms and protecting your digital data is equally important as your paper data.The BBC ran a story warning that the only way to prevent cyber criminals from accessing information from old computers is to completely destroy hard drives. Formatting the drive does not erase the data completely. The warning came after a study showed thousands (22,000) of ‘deleted’ or ‘reformatted’ files were recovered from old computers purchased online or elsewhere.

The fact is there are software programs designed to help cyber criminals extract data even after it has been electronically erased from a hard drive.

(The data is not removed, it is allowing the data to be over written)

At the same time, there are other concerns that make secure electronic media and hard drive destruction a critical aspect of device security.

These are hard drive security concerns everyone should be wary of:

  • Volume.  There are more hard drives than ever in the workplace… in desktop computers, laptops, servers, phones, USB thumb drives, printers, copiers, and other equipment. In 2015, technology companies shipped more than 2.6 billion devices containing hard drives, according to US IT research firm Gartner.
  • Internet of Things (IoT).  According to one report, there are about 14 billion objects connected to the Internet today, and by 2020 industry analysts estimate the number will increase to anywhere from 20 billion to 100 billion. Many organisations are integrating IoT devices into the workplace to make work easier and more efficient, but employee IoT devices, which transmit and receive data, are an attack vector for cyber criminals. Safeguards must protect the business and the individual.
  • Upgrades.  Electronics become obsolete (and are replaced) within three or four years – and that affects BYOD security and other safeguards. Sensitive customer information is often stored on mobile devices, yet few employees take the necessary steps to keep corporate data on their devices secure. Many smart phones are not even password protected.
  • Data Protection Laws.  The Data Protection Act and industry guidelines require organisations to securely destroy confidential data at the end of its life. Failing to properly dispose of information could lead to a data breach, resulting in a fine of up to €100,000 being levied by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
  • Cybercrime.  Industry experts predict a continued boom in cybercrime. In terms of cost, the average consolidated total cost of a data breach rose 7% to €2.98 million in 2015 compared to the previous year. The 2015 Cost of Data Breach Study: UK from Ponemon also showed that the average global cost for each lost or stolen confidential record increased from a consolidated average of €120 to €130.
  • Responsibility.  Data stewardship is a corporate priority and responsibility. Security-driven workplace systems and controls help protect against external trends like data breaches and cybercrime. For example, a document management process protects confidential information from its creation to end of life. You will find that Businesses have never disposed of hard drives, USBs and other hardware that contain confidential information. A best practice: partner with a document destruction company that provides secure hard drive destruction as well as other security services and products for the workplace.

It’s important to understand device security and know your electronic media pitfalls and vulnerabilities to avoid being costly data breaches and a damage to your companies reputation.

Like, Comment & Share this story. Get involved in the conversation.