4 Things to Include in Your Data Security Training on Document Shredding

One of the biggest problems businesses face when it comes to data security is human error. That’s because humans are still the number one weak point in data security

We all make mistakes, of course, but businesses must do everything possible to eliminate the kind of mistakes that can lead to a data breach.

The best way to reduce the possibility of a catastrophic error of this nature is to provide your employees with adequate data security training, particularly with document shredding, as it’s those hard copies that security software can’t do anything about.

If you want to ensure that your data security training prepares your employees for proper document shredding protocol, make sure it includes these four key points.

1. Instructions for Identifying Sensitive Documents

This is the most crucial aspect of your data security training. It’s not always obvious which documents are confidential and present a risk to data security, particularly to new employees who haven’t worked in your industry before. For this reason, training them to easily identify what constitutes a confidential document is critical.

To do this, you should create a simple list breaking down all of the types of information that might make a document sensitive. Then, make those lists easily accessible to anyone who might need them, including HR, department heads, and new hires.

2. Information on Document Destruction Protocol

Once they can identify the documents that should be handled with great care, your employees will need to know the next step.

Your protocol for document shredding should be made clear not only in your data security training but throughout your workplace with the help of signs and company emails. This information is worth relentlessly harping on.

3. An Emphasis on the Importance of Keeping a Clean Workspace

The easiest way to allow a confidential document to find its way into the wrong hands is to let it get lost amid various other documents.

Make sure your employees know how important it is to keep their workspaces clean so security-related mistakes are far less likely to happen. Consider equipping each desk with its own shred collection bin.

4. A Shred-All Policy

You can implement a Shred-All policy to account for any human error that may occur even after you’ve trained employees on how to identify, protect, and properly destroy confidential documents.

In other words, let them know if they’re ever in doubt over a document’s sensitivity, their best bet is to have it securely shredded. This approach can not only strengthen your security but also afford you some peace of mind.

Onsite Document Shredding in Sioux Falls with SEAM

One of the best ways to ensure data security at your business is to put your document shredding in the hands of professionals. Contact SEAM today to learn more about our onsite document shredding services for businesses in and around Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

SEAM provides IT recycling and data destruction services including onsite shredding and hard drive wiping to South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Schedule a pickup or contact us for more information.