3 Tips for Disposing of Your Company’s Old Inherited Records

Whether your company is a few years or a few decades old, your filing cabinets likely contain more than a few documents that were once important but are now irrelevant.

Before transferring those old documents directly to the recycling bin or trash can, however, there are a few record disposal tips you should keep in mind to ensure you’re doing it the right way.

Why Is Record Disposal Important?

Disposing of irrelevant records is important for various reasons, especially if those records contain sensitive or personal information regarding your company’s employees or clients.

Most states have laws that govern when certain personal information needs to be destroyed when it’s no longer needed, so if you have leftover records from previous clients or employees, you may be acting against the guidelines in your state.

Additionally, keeping physical records of personal information can put client or employee information at risk of insider fraud or a security breach that occurs from within the company itself, either maliciously or accidentally.

These are some of the most significant reasons why any inherited records that have become irrelevant should be efficiently destroyed.

Destroying Sensitive Records

Not sure how to go about destroying sensitive information your company no longer needs? These three useful tips will show you how to go about it in the safest way possible.

1. Make Sure Your Employees Understand Your Company’s Document Disposal Policies

There may be laws surrounding the disposal of documents containing personal information, but what about your company policy? Make sure to thoroughly review your own company rules before any large overhaul of inherited records.

In some cases, the laws in your state or county may have changed since the last time you looked over your company policies.

If your company doesn’t have a policy regarding record disposal, there’s never been a better time to make one and ensure your employees are briefed.

2. Keep Digital Backups of Any Information You Might Need

Once you properly dispose of documents, there’s no getting them back. Make sure you digitally save any important information you might need in the future so that sensitive information can be properly destroyed, while anything you need to save can be safely and conveniently stored.

3. Hire Professionals for Data Destruction

There’s a reason why working with professional data destruction companies is the norm among a variety of businesses in North Dakota, South Dakota, and across the country.

Sensitive information that’s improperly disposed of can fall into the wrong hands, and since documents are fair game to anyone once they’ve been thrown away, you could end up with a serious breach of security.

A professional shredding company can give you peace of mind that your sensitive information will remain protected.

Dispose of Sensitive Data the Right Way with SEAM

Are you interested in data destruction for your company in South Dakota or North Dakota? We’ll make it easy for you! Contact us at SEAM today to get started.