When you’re looking for a company to safely destroy your company’s important documents, there’s a question that you should ask of each potential vendor: “Are you NAID certified?”
The National Association of Information Destruction, or NAID, is a trade association that helps to enforce the highest standards in the document destruction industry. Whether or not a records management company has received NAID’s AAA-certification should be one of the first things to look for when selecting a document shredding vendor. AAA-certification means the company fully understands and complies with all legal and regulatory issues governing the document destruction industry.
What’s involved in NAID AAA-Certification?
AAA-Certification requires far more than a simple, one-time test that grants the company lifetime certification. It’s a comprehensive, on-going vetting process that requires that the shredding company utilize third party operational audits. These audits ensure compliance with all security procedures and guidelines. Companies that aren’t AAA-certified aren’t subject to these requirements, and it’s important to note that NAID membership doesn’t mean the company is AAA-certified.
Companies with AAA-certification are also audited for plant-based and/or mobile operations regarding different types of media, such as printed or paper, micro media and computer hard drive destruction or sanitization. Each of the company’s locations must be audited to maintain their certification.
Auditor Requirements
Shredding companies can only utilize auditors who maintain Certified Protection Professional accreditation from ASIS International, the leading worldwide organization for security professionals. ASIS certification ensures auditors are well-trained on audit requirements and procedures. The auditors verify that proper protocols are in place throughout all phases of the shredding process, including the handling, storing and transporting of materials prior to, and after, destruction. They’re also subject to an extensive, three-level background check to prevent individuals with a criminal history from handling confidential information.
Document destruction is serious business, and it should be. Laws in place are designed to ensure personal and secure information of your employees and customers doesn’t get into the hands of criminals. And not adhering to these laws can result in severe penalties.
Make sure the company you utilize to destroy your company’s confidential documentation is AAA-certified. And remember, their membership in NAID doesn’t mean they’re automatically certified.
For more information about the NAID’s AAA-certification, consult an expert who will work with you to ensure you’re in compliance with your industry’s legal requirements. Contact Armstrong Archives today to learn more about NAID certified document shredding.
Posted By: Sherri Taylor – President/Managing Partner
Sherri Taylor is the Managing Partner and President of Armstrong Archives, one of the largest independent records and information management companies in the Dallas/Ft Worth area.
