Author: Crown Information Managment

How Secure Shredding Supports Both the Environment and Data Protection

Your sustainability plan is a business strategy that manages your company’s impact on the environment, society, and the economy. Many companies focus on energy use and recycling programs. Another often overlooked but essential component of any sustainability plan is secure shredding. When you use professional shredding services, you support the environment and achieve your data protection goals. Including secure shredding in your sustainability plan is simpler than you might realize.

What Corporate Sustainability Means for Today’s Businesses

Having a corporate sustainability plan means you balance environmental responsibilities with compliance and long-term business practices. The paper records, hard drives, and other media are part of your information management and fit into your sustainability efforts. How you handle sensitive information at the end of its lifecycle is vital to your plans. Professional shredding by a certified company helps you meet your goals by: 

• Supporting your environmental goals: Professionally shredded paper is recycled rather than sent into a landfill. This helps to reduce waste and gives used paper a second life. Scheduled shredding helps you manage paper waste more efficiently and avoids the need for large, last-minute cleanouts. Professional processes ensure that shredded materials are handled correctly and routed for proper recycling.
• Reducing risk while supporting sustainability: Your regularly scheduled shredding appointment helps protect sensitive information while aligning with responsible business practices. It reduces your company’s risk of data breaches and helps you remain compliant and accountable. Certificates of Destruction provide documented proof for compliance and audits.
• Giving you a holistic approach to shredding: You can shred more than paper. Professional information management companies can securely destroy your hard drives, media, thumb drives, and products. This keeps electronic media out of landfills and cybercriminals’ hands. 

How to Build Secure Shredding into Your Corporate Sustainability Plan

The easiest way to include secure shredding in your sustainability plan is to take advantage of professional services that offer:

• Scheduled pick-ups: Set up recurring shredding appointments to make secure shredding consistent and simple. 
• On-site and off-site options: Choose what fits your workflow. On-site shredding provides immediate destruction, while off-site shredding is convenient for large volumes.

Support Your Corporate Sustainability Program with Help from Crown Information Management

Feel confident about running a secure and responsible sustainability program when you work with Crown Information Management. You can count on us to protect your company and customer data with secure shredding. We help you go beyond basic recycling with services including hard drive and X-ray destruction, records storage, indexing, and document scanning. 

Not only do we offer both on-site and off-site services, but we will also provide you with a Certificate of Destruction for your compliance records. You can trust our team, which is well-trained in HIPAA and FACTA guidelines, and we maintain a secure facility to protect your records, both on-site and off-site. We are ready to help you with your sustainability program. Call us today! 

For experienced help with media destruction, shredding, scanning, indexing, records management, and document storage, call Crown Information Management. You can reach us at 800-979-9545 or contact us online to learn more about our services. Let our team work for you. We are a SOC1, NAID AAA, and PCI-certified company.  

Preparing Your Financial Files Before Tax Season Begins

The end of the year is an excellent opportunity to clear out old files and prepare for the new year. Another opportunity for businesses to dig into their financial files is during tax season. You typically need to pull together information for your accountant, which gives you the perfect time to remove outdated documents safely. Financial records kept longer than necessary increase your risk of loss or theft. No company wants to become the focal point of a data breach. Tax time is a good time to enlist the services of a professional shredding company. They can help you dispose of outdated documents and stay in compliance.

How to Safely Dispose of Old Financial Documents

Financial documents contain sensitive business and personal information, such as bank records and customers’ personal information. When you keep these documents in your office longer than necessary, the risk of identity theft, fraud, and compliance issues increases. Throwing documents away or using an office shredder is not enough. Instead, the smarter choice is to use secure shredding.

Professional shredding companies can help you get rid of outdated materials while keeping you compliant. If you have struggled to understand the best way to dispose of old financial records safely, review these suggestions: 

1. Financial documents you can safely shred. Not all financial records should be destroyed immediately. You might need them for future audits. Always check with your accountant or tax professional, but a good rule of thumb for keeping documents is as follows:
   1. Bank statements should generally be kept for three to seven years. They support tax filings, audits, and financial reviews.
   2. Invoices are typically kept for three to seven years, depending on your tax and accounting needs. They are often used to support income reporting, expense tracking, and deductions.
   3. Credit card statements are usually retained for three to five years. If any statements are tied to tax-deductible expenses, they may need to be kept longer.
   4. Canceled checks should be kept for three to seven years, especially if they support your tax filings, major purchases, or business expenses. 
2. Financial documents you should keep for longer periods. Long-term retention is important for audits, disputes, and compliance. Secure off-site storage is just as important as shredding, helping keep your office tidy and giving you peace of mind. These documents should be retained beyond your annual cleanout:
   1. Tax returns
   2. Payroll records
   3. Audit records
   4. Major asset purchase documents 
3. Secure shredding makes all the difference. Professional document shredding protects the sensitive information held within your financial records. It also supports your compliance requirements while reducing the risk of a data breach. You will receive a Certificate of Destruction that serves as proof of proper disposal for your compliance needs. 
4. Make financial document destruction part of your annual tax prep. Tax season is a natural time to review your financial records and decide what to keep and what to destroy safely. By scheduling a pickup before or during tax preparation, you can stay organized and reduce the risk of holding on to outdated documents longer than necessary. On-site and off-site shredding options are convenient, helping you stay focused on your day-to-day to-do list.

Enjoy This Year’s Tax Season with Help from Crown Information Management

You can enjoy tax season this year when you work with Crown Information Management to dispose of outdated financial documents. Our team will help you take care of those pesky files early in the season to help reduce the risk of fraud, limit unnecessary exposure of sensitive information, and make your life much easier.

We help you stay compliant with our secure shredding services, ensuring your records are properly destroyed. We offer both on-site and off-site destruction services and will provide a Certificate of Destruction to keep for compliance purposes. We are here to ease the headaches that can come with tax season. Give us a call to find out more!

From paper shredding and records storage to hard drive and X-ray destruction, we support your business as you look to start the year with stronger security and less clutter. To learn more about our shredding and information management services, call 800-979-9545 or contact us online. Let our team help you protect what matters most. We are a SOC 1, NAID AAA, and PCI-certified company.

Keeping Sensitive Business Information Secure Year After Year

As a business owner, you already juggle countless responsibilities, but one that’s becoming more important than ever is protecting your company’s sensitive information. Whether it’s financial records, contracts, or your customers’ personal details, it’s up to you to make sure they are handled properly. Holding on to documents you no longer need or tossing them out the wrong way can open the door to identity theft, hefty fines, or even damage your reputation. Annual document shredding with a team of trusted professionals is an easy, stress-free way to stay compliant and keep sensitive information safe. 

Shred These 5 File Types Annually

It’s common practice to tidy up the books and clean out files at the end of the year. However, with regulatory compliance requirements in place, not all legal and business documents can be shredded right away, as some must be stored for a longer period. Certain file types can and should be shredded annually. 

Schedule an on-site or off-site document shredding appointment to get rid of these five file types: 

1. Financial records: These include bank statements, canceled checks, credit card statements, and invoices. Keep in mind that you generally want to keep three to seven years of tax records. Securely shredding these documents can safeguard your company from fraud and theft. 
2. Employee and human resources records: Consider the employees who have left your organization. There are W-2 forms, payroll records, performance reviews, and employment contracts. The IRS and labor laws will dictate how long you need to keep them. Shredding old employee records in a timely manner will ensure employee privacy and compliance.
3. Legal and business documents: Every company will have some form of contracts, leases, agreements, permits, or licenses. Document retention policies may require some files to be kept long-term, while others can be shredded annually. Document destruction helps limit the risk of leaving outdated contracts and legal papers in accessible areas. 
4. Customer and client information: If you work with customers, you will have personal data, such as billing information and signed forms. Your company has a responsibility under privacy laws to protect its clients’ information. Annual shredding can help you prevent data breaches and maintain your customers’ trust.
5. Marketing and miscellaneous files: There may be some records you haven’t considered shredding before. They include old mailing lists, expired promotions, and outdated research reports. They are less regulated, but they can still contain sensitive information that could put your business at risk if not properly destroyed.

Start the Year Secure, Organized, and Compliant

Yearly shredding will help your company meet compliance mandates and prevent data breaches. When you set up a regular shredding schedule with Crown Information Management, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from working with professionals. We offer secure document disposal by trained staff using specialized equipment designed to protect confidential information from start to finish. 

Your business can choose the solution that best fits your workflow with our flexible on-site and off-site shredding options. Every service includes a Certificate of Destruction, providing documented proof for audits and compliance requirements. From paper shredding and records storage to hard drive and X-ray destruction, we support you and your business year in and year out. 

To learn more about our shredding and information management services, call 800-979-9545 or contact us online. We are a SOC 1, NAID AAA, and PCI-certified company.

Deleting or Wiping a Hard Drive Is Not Enough to Protect Your Data!

Companies want to do the right thing when it comes to protecting data. Many use antivirus software, strong passwords, and employee training to reduce cyber risks. When retiring old computers or servers, removing existing data is an essential item on their checklist. What many do not realize is that deleting files or wiping hard drives does not provide the same level of security as professional hard drive destruction. Certified destruction services help protect your company’s sensitive information and support compliance efforts.

How Data Deletion Really Works and Why It Matters for Your Business

To reduce risk and exposure to fraud, it’s important to understand what happens when data is deleted incorrectly rather than completely destroyed:

1. Deleting files does not fully remove data. When a file is deleted, it is not erased from the hard drive; it is simply hidden from view, making it easy to recover. Deleted files can often be recovered with basic tools. Reformatting a drive removes file references but still leaves data behind. Physical destruction by shredding ensures that sensitive information cannot be recovered.
2. Wiped hard drives can still be recovered. Even when a hard drive is wiped or reset, data can be recovered using readily available software, making this approach risky when devices are sold, donated, or discarded.
3. Improper hard drive disposal creates serious risks. Disposing of hard drives without proper destruction can expose sensitive information involving your customers, employees, and business as a whole. Cybercriminals can misuse this information, leaving you at risk of lawsuits, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. Many industries must also comply with privacy regulations such as HIPAA, FACTA, and other data protection laws.
4. Hard drive destruction is the safest disposal option. Professional hard drive destruction permanently eliminates data and removes the risk of unauthorized recovery. Common situations include equipment replacement, office relocations, and employee turnover. 
5. Professional destruction is more secure than in-house methods. Using a professional service ensures secure handling, documented procedures, and a clear chain of custody. 
6. Certified media destruction supports compliance and audits. You will have documented proof that sensitive data was destroyed completely and legally. A Certificate of Destruction records a defensible trail that supports compliance and reduces long-term risk.

Secure Hard Drive Destruction by Crown Information Management

Protecting your customers and your business is easier when you work with experienced professionals for data storage and destruction. Crown Information Management provides hard drive destruction services that permanently eliminate data, thereby removing the risks associated with deletion or wiping hard drives clean. Our trained staff, secure equipment, and documented chain-of-custody procedures help you feel confident and safe in your data disposal processes.

With flexible on-site and off-site shredding options, we support a wide range of compliance needs. We understand regulations such as HIPAA, FACTA, and FERPA, and provide Certificates of Destruction to support audits and recordkeeping. To learn more about our secure shredding and information management services, contact us today.

For experienced help with shredding, X-ray and media destruction, scanning, indexing, records management, and document storage, call Crown Information Management. You can reach us at 800-979-9545 or contact us online to learn more about our services. Let our team work for you. We are a SOC1, NAID AAA, and PCI-certified company.  

Keeping your office organized isn’t just about appearances. A cluttered workspace can slow productivity, create unnecessary stress, and increase the risk of sensitive information being exposed. For businesses throughout Orlando, professional shredding services play a key role in maintaining a clean, efficient, and secure office environment.

Whether you’re managing a medical office, law firm, financial services company, or small business, decluttering your office starts with addressing the paperwork that no longer serves a purpose.

Why Decluttering Matters for Orlando Businesses

Paper clutter builds up quickly. Old files, outdated records, and stacks of documents take up valuable space and make it harder to find what you actually need. Even more concerning, documents containing personal or confidential information can pose a security risk if they are not properly disposed of.

Decluttering helps Orlando businesses improve workflow, stay organized, and reduce the risk of identity theft or compliance issues. A cleaner office supports better focus, smoother operations, and a more professional environment for employees and clients alike.

A Simple Approach to Decluttering Your Office

Start by clearing desks, file drawers, and storage areas so you can see exactly what you have. Sorting documents into categories such as keep, store, and shred makes the process manageable and efficient. Files that are still required for daily operations or legal retention should be organized and stored securely, while outdated paperwork should be set aside for secure destruction.

Using file organizers, labeled folders, and designated storage areas helps prevent clutter from returning. Once everything has a place, it becomes much easier to maintain an orderly workspace moving forward.

Why Shredding Is a Critical Part of Decluttering

Throwing documents in the trash or recycling bin is not enough when those papers contain sensitive information. Items such as financial records, employee files, client data, medical paperwork, and tax documents should always be destroyed securely.

Professional shredding ensures documents are completely destroyed and handled according to strict security standards. For Orlando businesses, this provides peace of mind while also supporting compliance with privacy regulations. Shredding outdated documents clears physical space while protecting your organization from potential data breaches.

The Advantage of Professional Shredding Services in Orlando

Office shredders are often slow, inefficient, and not designed for large volumes of paper. Professional shredding services save time and eliminate the risk of improper disposal. Documents are securely collected, destroyed, and responsibly recycled, and many services provide a certificate of destruction for recordkeeping and audits.

Whether you operate in downtown Orlando, Winter Park, or anywhere in Central Florida, professional shredding allows your team to focus on daily operations instead of managing piles of paperwork.

Make Shredding Part of Your Office Routine

Decluttering shouldn’t be a one-time event. Scheduling regular shredding services helps prevent paper buildup throughout the year. Orlando businesses generate paperwork during tax season, audits, employee onboarding, and year-end reviews. A recurring shredding schedule keeps your office organized, compliant, and secure.

Take the First Step Toward a Clutter-Free Office

If paper clutter is slowing down your workspace, now is the time to take action. Crown Information Managementprovides secure, professional document shredding services designed to help Orlando businesses protect sensitive information while maintaining an organized and efficient office.

Contact Crown Information Management today to schedule your shredding service or request a consultation. Let our team help you clear the clutter, protect your data, and create a more productive work environment.

Protecting Sensitive Information Across High-Risk Industries

Nearly every business handles sensitive information, including customer addresses, financial records, and personally identifiable information (PII). For some industries, the risk is even higher due to strict regulations and the serious consequences of a data breach.

Healthcare providers, for example, manage patient medical records, Social Security numbers, and insurance details every day. If this information is not properly stored or destroyed, it can lead to compliance violations, financial penalties, and loss of trust. Partnering with a professional shredding and information management service helps organizations protect sensitive data while reducing risk and administrative burden.

5 Industries that Use Professional Shredding

Any business can benefit from using professional document destruction, but these five industries benefit the most:

1. Healthcare providers: Medical facilities handle many types of sensitive information, including patient records, billing information, and insurance forms. They must also comply with strict HIPAA requirements. Routine HIPAA-compliant shredding and secure destruction of both paper documents and hard drives reduces risk and stress for healthcare providers. 
2. Financial institutions: Banks, credit unions, accounting firms, and lenders work with a high volume of personal and financial data. They must comply with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) and applicable local privacy obligations to ensure their clients’ PII remains secure. Secure media destruction services protect customers and a financial institution’s brand reputation.
3. Law firms: Attorneys deal with confidential documents and case files daily. They also have ethical obligations to protect their clients’ information. Law firms also require a documented chain of custody and certificates of destruction, which a professional shredding company can provide.
4. Educational institutions: School administrators maintain student records, employee files, and administrative documents. They need to keep the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in mind as they consider the challenges of storage and outdated records. Walk-in shredding services can help with cleanouts, end of the school year, or office transitions, too.
5. Small and mid-sized businesses: It is a common misconception that small businesses are not targets for cyber thieves. Small and mid-sized businesses house human resource files, customer records, and vendor contracts. Valuable information that no business would want exposed! Outsourcing shredding is an affordable, scalable solution that also saves time and reduces liability.

Why Professional Shredding Makes a Difference

The difference between using an office shredder and working with a professional shredding provider is significant. In-house shredders take time, can jam or break, and often don’t meet security or compliance standards. Professional shredding services offer consistent processes, secure handling, and documented proof that sensitive information is destroyed properly.

Crown Information Management supports organizations across multiple industries with secure shredding, storage, and media destruction solutions designed to meet today’s compliance needs.

As a trusted information management partner, we provide trained staff, secure equipment, and clear chain-of-custody procedures. Our services, such as on-site and off-site shredding, allow businesses to choose the option that best fits their workflow, while Certificates of Destruction support compliance efforts and audits. We also understand industry regulations, including HIPAA, FACTA, and FERPA, reducing risk and uncertainty.

For businesses that handle confidential paper records, hard drives, X-rays, or other sensitive materials, outsourcing document destruction to us helps protect customer information, saves time, and limits liability. Working with us ensures secure disposal practices are followed from start to finish, so you can focus on running your business with confidence.

For experienced help with shredding, X-ray and media destruction, scanning, indexing, records management, and document storage, call Crown Information Management. You can reach us at 800-979-9545 or contact us online to learn more about our services. Let our team work for you. We are a SOC1, NAID AAA, and PCI-certified company. 

A Smart Way to Start the Year with Better Security and Less Clutter

Offices accumulate a large volume of documents each year, many of which contain sensitive information. The new year is a good time to review old files and clear out records that are no longer needed. Holding onto outdated documents can increase security risks, create clutter, and lead to compliance challenges. Shredding old paperwork and digital media helps protect your business, employees, and clients, while professional shredding services make the process secure, efficient, and compliant.

Why the New Year Is the Right Time to Shred

Many people take time to clear out closets and desks at the start of the New Year, as it seems to signal a fresh start for offices and records. This is the time of year when businesses often review files, storage, and compliance. The goal is not to hold onto outdated documents. Instead, shredding them makes for efficient space utilization, better security, and achieving compliance goals. 

Knowing what to shred is a question best answered by considering these five areas: 

1. Financial and tax documents you no longer need: It’s better to get rid of old tax returns that are past the required retention periods than to hold onto them. Other financial documents to shred include outdated bank statements, invoices, and expense reports. It is also a good idea to destroy any payroll records that have met legal retention timelines. Remember to check retention rules before shredding.
2. Employee and HR records past their retention period: Common human resource records to purge include former employee files no longer required, old job applications, and old resumes. You can shred performance reviews and disciplinary records that are past their retention period. Professional shredding helps you protect personally identifiable information (PII) and avoid identity theft.
3. Customer and client records that are no longer active: As you work through your cleanout process, look for closed account files and old contracts and agreements that are no longer in effect. Other documents to destroy include outdated contact forms, credit applications, or intake paperwork. There are many compliance considerations (HIPAA, FACTA, and GLBA) that a professional shredding company can help you with.
4. General office paperwork that creates risk: It’s helpful to review other general office paperwork as well. For example, meeting notes can contain sensitive details. You may have internal reports or strategy documents that should be properly shredded. Another category is old pricing sheets, vendor agreements, or proposals. While these documents are ‘internal only’, they can provide information to thieves that could harm your business.
5. Don’t forget about digital records and media: One more area to remember is your media. Old hard drives, backup tapes, USBs, and other devices can still have their deleted files recovered. It is crucial that you utilize certified hard drive and media destruction services through a company that can provide Certificates of Destruction. This will support you in your audits and compliance requirements.
6. How professional shredding makes New Year cleanouts easier: Starting the year with a clean slate is easier with help from professional document shredding services. Secure providers offer one-time purge services and ongoing shredding programs, with on-site or off-site options to fit your needs. A documented chain of custody and compliance support provides peace of mind throughout the process. 

Start the Year Secure, Organized, and Compliant with Crown Information Management

Trying to destroy sensitive documents and digital media in-house can lead to mistakes, missed steps, or incomplete destruction. Working with a professional shredding partner helps ensure that records are handled securely and appropriately destroyed, reducing risk and supporting compliance efforts.

Crown Information Management offers secure document disposal, trained staff, and specialized equipment designed to protect confidential information from start to finish. With flexible on-site and off-site shredding options, your business can choose the solution that best fits your workflow. Every service includes a Certificate of Destruction, providing documented proof for audits and compliance requirements.

From paper shredding and records storage to hard drive and X-ray destruction, we support you and your business as you look to start the year with stronger security and less clutter. To learn more about our shredding and information management services, call 800-979-9545 or contact us online. Let our team help you protect what matters most. We are a SOC 1, NAID AAA, and PCI-certified company.

Ring in the New Year with Professional Shredding

Many companies begin reviewing their operations, updating records, and preparing for a fresh start as the old year draws to a close. It’s the perfect time to review the documents, hard drives, and digital media stored throughout your office. A year-end cleanout not only creates a more organized office but also helps reduce compliance risks and protect sensitive information. Shredding old files and securely destroying outdated hardware now can set your business up for a safer, more efficient new year. 

Why Year-End Is the Ideal Time to Clean Out Old Documents

The end of the year is a natural time to conduct audits, have planning sessions, and record reviews. It also makes it easier to spot files that are no longer needed or have reached the end of their required retention period. By destroying outdated files, you and your team can stay better organized while ensuring that confidential information isn’t stored longer than necessary. It also reduces the risk of unintentional exposure, especially during annual transitions when more people are moving files or updating systems.

What to Shred or Destroy Before the New Year

A year-end review is an excellent opportunity to identify what should be securely destroyed. Many items that sit quietly in filing cabinets, boxes, or storage rooms can pose a risk, even if they are old and no longer required. You may want to schedule shredding or destruction services for items such as:

• Paper files with outdated personal or financial information
• Expired contracts or agreements
• Old employee records past their retention time
• Marketing drafts containing proprietary or client data
• Hard drives from retired computers
• External drives, USBs, and backup media
• Old ID cards, badges, or access cards

How Shredding and Hard Drive Destruction Reduce Risk

Cleaning out your old records isn’t just about organization; it’s about security, too. All those old documents and stored devices can become targets for data theft if they are not appropriately handled. Secure shredding and hard drive destruction help protect your customers, employees, and business by making the information completely unreadable and unrecoverable. Imagine the peace of mind you can enjoy! 

Shredding and hard drive destruction reduce risk in several ways, including:

• Preventing data breaches caused by forgotten files or unprotected devices
• Ensuring outdated or broker hardware isn’t reused or accessed
• Supporting HIPAA, FACTA, and state privacy requirements
• Reducing human error during annual office transitions

Why Professional Destruction Services Matter

Attempting to destroy your sensitive documents and digital media in-house can lead to mistakes or incomplete destruction. Using a professional shredding partner, like Crown Information Management, provides secure processes, trained staff, and equipment designed to thoroughly protect your information. We offer both on-site and off-site shredding services, providing a safe and flexible solution for your needs. We will also provide you with a Certificate of Destruction as proof of proper handling and destruction. Our team is well-trained to understand HIPAA compliance, and we maintain a secure facility to protect your records. From shredding and storage to hard drive and X-ray destruction, we are ready to help. Call us today! 

For experienced help with shredding, media destruction, scanning, indexing, records management, and document storage, call Crown Information Management. You can reach us at 800-979-9545 or contact us online to learn more about our services. Let our team work for you. We are a SOC1, NAID AAA, and PCI-certified company.  

Protecting Client Information Is Crucial for Success

Most people still imagine endless stacks of paper waiting to be shredded when they think about secure data disposal. However, in today’s business environment, a large amount of sensitive information lives on computers, servers, and external drives. If your business handles medical or consumer information, you must dispose of these devices properly to protect your clients. That’s where two major regulations designed to protect personal data come in: HIPAA and FACTA. Proper hard drive destruction is one of the most effective ways to stay compliant and avoid costly risks. Working with a certified professional shredding company is the risk-free solution.

What HIPAA and FACTA Require from Businesses

Each regulation covers different industries:

• HIPAA Requirements: HIPAA protects your patients’ personal and medical information. Many times, we might forget how much of that information sits on old hard drives. Electronic personal health information (PHI) can include names, medical histories, billing information, and even images or lab results.

HIPAA requires covered industries to dispose of all electronic media securely. However, simply deleting files or wiping a drive isn’t enough because data can still be recovered. If a hard drive containing patient information is lost or not properly destroyed, your organization could face serious fines and penalties.

• FACTA Requirements: FACTA protects consumers from identity theft. Any business that collects or stores consumer information, such as financial firms, real estate agencies, auto dealers, and retailers, must follow FACTA’s disposal rule.

This rule requires your company to destroy consumer data so that it cannot be read or reconstructed. Since your hard drives store more information than almost any paper file, they pose a significant risk if not handled correctly. FACTA makes it clear that businesses must take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access during disposal.

Why Hard Drive Destruction Is Your Best Solution

There are several ways to remove data from your old hard drives, but not all of them meet compliance standards. You can choose:

• Wiping to delete files, but recovery tools can often bring them back.
• Degaussing scrambles data on magnetic drives, but it doesn’t work on many modern devices.
• Physical destruction, with a professional company, shreds or crushes a hard drive and guarantees the data is completely unrecoverable.

Benefits of Using a Professional Hard Drive Deconstruction Service

Working with a professional document and device destruction provider gives your company an added layer of protection, including:

• Secure chain of custody: Your hard drives are tracked from pickup to destruction, ensuring they stay protected at every step.
• On-site and off-site options: You may prefer to watch your hard drives being destroyed on-site, while others may use secure off-site services.
• Trained and screened staff: Professionals follow strict procedures for handling, transporting, and destroying electronic media.
• Certificate of destruction: After destruction, you receive documentation showing that the drives were handled correctly. This certificate is crucial for HIPAA and FACTA audits.

Steps Your Business Can Take to Stay Compliant

Staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated when you take a few small steps to reduce the risk of data breaches and stay aligned with federal regulations:

• Create an internal policy for archiving and disposing of electronic media.
• Keep a schedule for replacing old devices.
• Store old hard drives in a secure location until destruction.
• Work with a certified shredding and destruction company you can trust.
• Train employees on your data disposal procedures.

Stay Compliant with Help from Crown Information Management

Protecting sensitive information isn’t just good practice; it’s the law. HIPAA and FACTA both require businesses to destroy electronic data securely, and hard drive destruction is the most effective way to do so. Crown Information Management offers both on-site and off-site hard drive destruction services, providing a secure and flexible solution. We will also provide you with a Certificate of Destruction as proof of proper handling and destruction. Our team is well-trained in HIPAA and FACTA guidelines, and we maintain a secure facility to protect your records, both on-site and off-site. From hard drive and X-ray destruction to shredding and storage, we are ready to help. Call us today! 

For experienced help with media destruction, shredding, scanning, indexing, records management, and document storage, call Crown Information Management. You can reach us at 800-979-9545 or contact us online to learn more about our services. Let our team work for you. We are a SOC1, NAID AAA, and PCI-certified company.