Shredding secrets revealed: understanding what matters most

As a business owner, you understand the importance of data security. But the digital realm isn’t the only battleground. Paper documents containing sensitive customer information, financial data, and even trade secrets pose a significant threat if they fall into the wrong hands.

Just one misplaced document or a rummaging dumpster diver can lead to a data breach, putting your business at risk of:

• Financial penalties: Regulatory bodies levy hefty fines for non-compliance with data protection laws.
• Reputational damage: A data breach erodes customer trust and can severely damage your brand image.
• Lawsuits: Customers whose data is compromised may take legal action.

The Solution: Secure Shredding with BS EN 15713:2023 as Your Ally

Shredding standards define how finely documents need to be shredded to ensure they are truly unreconstructable. This prevents sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

Think of it like this: Imagine ripping a document into large strips. Someone with enough time and effort could potentially piece those strips back together and access the information. Shredding standards ensure the pieces are small enough to make reconstruction virtually impossible.

Enter BS EN 15713:2023, the recently updated European standard that defines security levels for shredding paper documents. This framework empowers you to select a shredding solution that aligns perfectly with the sensitivity of the data you handle.

Different shredding standards, explained

There are various shredding standards out there, but you don’t need to memorize them all. The key is to understand the concept of security levels. Generally, the higher the security level, the finer the shred size required.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of common security levels.

Low security: suitable for basic documents like junk mail or outdated invoices. Think of a standard cross-cut shredder that creates confetti-sized pieces.

Medium security: ideal for moderately sensitive documents like bank statements or old tax returns. Imagine even smaller confetti pieces, making reconstruction much harder.

High security: perfect for highly confidential documents like social security numbers or medical records. This involves ultra-fine shred particles, offering maximum protection.

Choosing the right shredding standard for you

The best shredding standard for your needs depends on the type of documents you’re shredding. For everyday household documents, a low-security shredder might suffice. However, businesses handling sensitive customer data would benefit from a medium or high-security shredding service.

Understanding the BS EN 15713:2023 security levels allows you to make informed decisions about shredding:

• Professional Shredding Services: For businesses dealing with large volumes of sensitive documents or requiring high-security shredding , a professional shredding service is the way to go. Look for providers offering secure on-site or off-site shredding options with documented adherence to BS EN 15713:2023.

Restore Datashred: your shredding partner

At Restore Datashred, we understand the importance of secure document disposal. We offer a variety of shredding services to meet your specific needs, from on-site shredding for businesses to secure off-site shredding for both businesses and individuals.

Feeling more confident about shredding standards? Great!

But if you have any questions or need help determining the best shredding solution for you, our friendly experts are here to assist. Contact Restore Datashred today and let us help you keep your confidential information safe!