Document Disposal Mistakes You DON’T Want To Make

Ever since the massive 2017 Equifax data breach, companies of all sizes have increased their focus on digital security. Yet, it’s important to remember identity theft can also occur from paper that hasn’t been properly disposed of. This can be junk mail, paper statements, tax documents, and more.

Millions of U.S. citizens are affected by identity theft. One source found that 7-10% of Americans are victims of identity fraud every year and 21% of those victims suffer from repeat fraud.

Create a comprehensive security plan by ensuring all of your sensitive documents are protected. A great way to get started is by NOT making these common mistakes!

Keeping your documents in an unlocked cabinet

This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make whether you’re at work or at home. The information provided on your documents and your customers’ documents is crucial. Depending on where you work, they can contain social security numbers and medical information.

When you keep these documents in an unlocked cabinet or unlocked safe, you’re giving anyone who has access to the building access to those documents.

Using a hand-held shredder

Another common mistake when it comes to the disposal of your unused documents is the use of a hand-held paper shredder. Although hand-held shredders may seem like a good idea at the time of purchase, they don’t actually provide much security.

Hand-held shredders shred your unused documents in strips that can easily be pieced back together for thieves to gain the information they need. If you have the patience to complete a jigsaw puzzle, a criminal has the patience to sift through a bag of your shredded paperwork.

Throwing your unused documents away without shredding them

This is a common mistake among homeowners, but occasionally employees and business owners also make this mistake. When you throw away unused paperwork, you may believe that no one is interested in these documents (or junkmail!).

But criminals actively look for unshredded documents in places such as your recycling. This is especially true at a place of business where you’re more likely to have sensitive information.

Where to find shredding services near me?

DataSafe works throughout the Portland Metro, including Vancouver, Hillsboro, and Oregon City. We’ll keep your information safe and secure by completely destroying your unused documents. For more information about our secure document destruction shredding or to schedule your document destruction, contact DataSafe today.