Author: Crown Information Managment

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 Old files, outdated records, and stacks of documents take up valuable space and make it harder to find what you actually need.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 Files that are still required for daily operations or legal retention should be organized and stored securely, while outdated paperwork should be set aside for secure destruction.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 Shredding outdated documents clears physical space while protecting your organization from potential data breaches.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.  

Protecting Your Clients and Reputation 

Today’s digital world is a whirlwind of data, and most of it lives on devices and hard drives, not in filing cabinets. From patient charts and legal files to banking records, the information your firm or practice stores electronically is often the most private and valuable you own. Yet even when files are deleted, the data remains on the drive until it is physically destroyed. For law firms, medical offices, and financial institutions, this isn’t just a technical issue. It’s a matter of compliance, security, and trust. When it is time to get rid of computers, secure hard drive destruction ensures that confidential data is permanently unrecoverable, keeping your business protected from data breaches, penalties, and damage to your reputation.

Why Hard Drive Destruction Matters

Deleting files or reformatting a drive doesn’t make the information disappear. Skilled hackers or data recovery tools can still retrieve private files, emails, and financial details. This means that simply discarding or recycling an old computer can leave your firm open to serious risks. 

A professional hard drive destruction service eliminates that risk. They shred or crush the drive into small, unrecoverable pieces, and you receive a Certificate of Destruction to prove you are compliant. For industries such as law, medicine, and finance, this documentation serves as an essential safeguard against liability.

Understand Your Industry-Specific Risks

Even though all businesses need data protection, certain industries face much stricter standards and consequences if things go wrong:

1. Law firms: Your law firm manages sensitive client information, contracts, case files, and communications. Failing to destroy hard drives properly could lead to a breach of the attorney-client privilege or violations of ethical rules. Secure destruction ensures that outdated drives do not become a weak link in maintaining that vital client confidentiality. 
2. Medical offices: Under HIPAA, medical providers must safeguard all patient information, whether stored on paper or digitally. Old computers, backup drives, or medical imaging devices can hold years of patient records. HIPAA violations can result in costly fines, legal action, and the loss of your patients’ trust. Certified hard drive destruction ensures your practice’s compliance and protects patient privacy.
3. Financial institutions: Banks, credit unions, and accounting firms hold some of the most sensitive data imaginable, such as social security numbers, financial statements, and account details. They fall under regulations such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), which requires the secure disposal of consumer information. Using a trusted destruction provider helps financial institutions meet these standards and protect their customers from identity theft.

The Benefits of Professional Hard Drive Destruction

Choosing a certified information management company gives you and your business a long list of benefits, including:

• Data protection since physical destruction ensures data cannot be recovered.
• Proof of compliance with a Certificate of Destruction documents that your drives were handled according to federal and state regulations.
• Flexible service options such as on-site destruction or off-site service for convenience.

Crown Information Management Helps You Stay In Compliance

Partner with a shredding company like Crown Information Management, where you can enjoy a full-service solution for all your electronic and paper records, including routine shredding, one-time purge services, secure digital media destruction, and document storage and indexing. Our services meet the highest security standards and include a Certificate of Destruction for your records to make sure you abide by the rules and regulations applicable to your industry. Don’t take chances with sensitive information when dealing with aging hard drives. Secure disposal is part of innovative management for your firm or practice, and it’s easier than you think with help from Crown Information Management.

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

Answers to Common Questions About Secure Shredding and Information Protection

If your business handles sensitive information, you already know how important it is to keep that data safe. Your clients depend on you to protect their personal information. When it’s time to dispose of old documents, hard drives, or other confidential materials, you are bound to have questions. What should you shred? How often should you destroy documents? And how do you know the information is really gone for good? Professional shredding companies help clients with these questions all the time and can help guide you in setting up the best system for your business or organization.

6 Common Shredding Questions Answered

As you stare down a pile of papers, wondering if now is the right time to destroy them, or you wonder if certain materials can be shredded, check out these six common questions and their answers:

1. Why should my business use professional shredding services instead of managing the task in-house? Professional shredding offers you more than convenience. It provides you with peace of mind. In-house shredders often cannot handle high volumes of paper. You will discover that it leaves pieces large enough for thieves to reconstruct. A professional shredding company ensures that your documents are destroyed, helping you remain compliant with privacy laws such as HIPAA and FACTA. Plus, it saves your team time and includes a Certificate of Destruction to prove your materials were handled securely.
2. What types of materials can be shredded? Commercial shredding services cover more than just paper. Businesses like yours across Florida rely on certified shredding providers to securely destroy the following:
   • Paper documents
   • Hard drives and other digital media
   • X-rays and medical films
   • Old employee IDs, uniforms, or branded material
   • Old office equipment
3. How often should I schedule shredding services? There isn’t a clear-cut answer because it depends on your document volumes and compliance requirements. Regular shredding helps reduce storage clutter and eliminates the risk of outdated files being left unsecured. Many businesses choose between these options based on their needs:

1. Routine shredding services that can be scheduled for weekly, biweekly, or monthly pickups to stay consistent.
2. One-time purges are ideal for annual cleanouts or when moving offices.
3. Walk-in services are ideal for low-volume transactions and individual consumers.

4. What’s the difference between on-site and off-site shredding? With on-site shredding, a mobile shredding truck comes to your location so you can watch your documents being destroyed immediately. Off-site shredding offers the same level of security but allows your materials to be securely transported to a certified shredding facility for destruction. Both options are compliant, convenient, and designed to meet your needs.
5. Do I need to remove staples or paper clips before shredding? No. Industrial shredding machines are designed to handle staples, paper clips, and even folders. This means you have less prep work and a faster, more efficient shredding process.
6. How will I know my records are securely destroyed? Established shredding providers will provide you with a Certificate of Destruction that documents the date, location, and method of destruction. It serves as legal proof of compliance, especially in healthcare, finance, or legal fields.

Protect What Matters Most with Help from Crown Information Management

Secure shredding is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your business, employees, and clients from data theft or compliance violations. Crown Information Management offers comprehensive solutions for managing your paper and electronic records, including routine shredding, one-time purge services, secure digital media destruction, and document storage and indexing. Our services meet the highest security standards and include a Certificate of Destruction for your records. Protect your data and peace of mind with a shredding solution tailored to your company’s specific needs. 

For expert help with media destruction, scanning, indexing, shredding, 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. Put our team to work for you. We are a SOC1, NAID AAA, and PCI-certified company.  

Compliant Shredding Begins with the Right Professional Shredding Company

We have many laws in place to protect people’s personal information. The HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) was designed to protect sensitive patient health information (PHI). Often, many think HIPAA applies only to hospitals and clinics. In reality, it applies to any business that handles medical records. They can be insurance agencies, law firms, billing companies, and some employers. If your company falls into any of these categories and fails to secure PHI, the results can be devastating. They may face a data breach, hefty fines, and the loss of their customers’ trust.  Partnering with a reliable, professional shredding company can be the ace up your sleeve in developing a secure HIPAA compliance strategy.

Why Proper Document Disposal Matters

It is not uncommon for businesses to underestimate the risks posed by having physical records. Paper files that sit in storage or are tossed in the trash can easily be accessed by the wrong person. HIPAA requires that personal health information be completely destroyed when it is no longer needed for its intended purpose. This rule applies to both paper and digital records. A HIPAA-compliant shredding process ensures that:

1. Documents are completely destroyed so that they are unreadable and unrecoverable. Basically, they cannot be pieced back together. 
2. Disposal follows strict compliance standards, protecting your organization from fines and penalties.
3. Paper and electronic records are adequately destroyed, reducing the risk of data breaches.

Features of a HIPAA-Compliant Shredding Program

Not all shredding services give you the same service. To meet HIPAA requirements and maintain compliance, a shredding provider should offer:

1. Secure collection containers placed at your office for safe storage of sensitive records.
2. Routine or one-time shredding services to handle your ongoing needs or large cleanouts.
3. On-site or off-site shredding options with processes that ensure the highest security standards.
4. A Certificate of Destruction to give you proof that your materials were destroyed correctly. 
5. Trained and vetted personnel who understand HIPAA compliance requirements and know how to handle your documents securely.
6. Hard drive and media destruction for your computers, backup tapes, and USB drives.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Even if you and your team understand HIPAA requirements, you can slip up when it comes to properly disposing of records. These mistakes can put your company at risk of data breaches or fines. Some common pitfalls you may face include:

1. Holding on to records longer than necessary increases your storage costs and legal exposure.
2. Throwing old files in the trash, where unauthorized individuals and identity thieves can easily access them.
3. Forgetting to properly destroy digital storage devices, leaving sensitive information recoverable. 
4. Failing to train your staff on compliance policies, which can lead to unintentional violations. 

Stay Compliant and Protect Your Reputation with Crown Information Management 

Managing document compliance in-house can be a stressful task. Crown Information Management makes it easier. We make the process simple, efficient, secure, and compliant. Enjoy our full-service solutions for your paper and electronic records, including routine shredding, one-time purge services, secure digital media destruction, and document storage and indexing. Whether you use our walk-in feature or have a regular schedule, our services meet the highest security standards and include a Certificate of Destruction for your records. Our team understands the challenges you face and can handle all your shredding needs. Contact us today for more information.

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

Protecting Sensitive Data Is as Important as Ever

In today’s technology-driven world, it’s easy to believe that paper records are no longer needed. Many businesses, including yours, have moved several processes online, from billing to file storage. Yet, offices still generate paper documents every day. Think about your own office. How many contracts, medical charts, and printed emails do you handle throughout your day? The need to securely destroy both physical and digital records has never been greater. Choosing professional shredding services provides you with a secure, reliable way to protect your business, your customers, and your reputation, even in today’s ‘paperless’ world.

Why You Should Shred Documents and Hardware in Today’s Digital Age

Technology makes many things convenient, but it can also put your reputation at risk when it comes to destroying paper and digital records. It’s essential to remember that handling things with care is vital in this digital age. Here are three reasons to keep professional shredding at the top of your list for your records:

1. Paper isn’t gone, and it still poses risks. Many industries rely on paper records for daily operations and for compliance reasons, even in the digital age. These documents contain private information that must be handled with care. Common examples include:
   1. Healthcare providers keep printed patient charts and consent forms.
   2. Legal and financial firms store contracts, tax documents, and case files.
   3. Small businesses generate invoices, receipts, and employment paperwork.

Without secure shredding, these documents can fall into the wrong hands, leading to identity theft, compliance issues, and expensive breaches.

2. The overlooked threat of the digital age: Going paperless may save trees, but it doesn’t mean you are risk-free. Digital devices also store sensitive data that can be accessed long after you delete those files. Examples of overlooked devices include:
   1. Computer hard drives
   2. External drives and USBs
   3. Backup tapes and discs
   4. Outdated smartphones or tablets

Secure destruction of these devices with the help of a professional shredding service helps prevent cybercriminals from recovering personal, financial, and proprietary information.

3. A comprehensive approach to data security makes more sense. For the best protection, consider the benefits of working with a professional shredding provider. They don’t just shred paper; they handle a variety of information sources with strict security measures in place. Some of the benefits include:
   1. Meeting compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA and FACTA)
   2. Reducing the risk of breaches with regular, scheduled shredding
   3. Providing a certificate of destruction for your records and audits
   4. Saving you and your staff time and ensuring materials are handled securely from start to finish

Stay Diligent in the Digital Age with Crown Information Management

Secure shredding of documents and hard drives remains a cornerstone of data protection for smart business managers. When you responsibly dispose of both paper documents and electronic devices, your company can lower its risk of data breaches, remain compliant, and safeguard its reputation. Crown Information Management offers both on-site and off-site shredding 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 understanding HIPAA guidelines, and we maintain a secure facility to protect your records both on-site and off-site. 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.