SELECTSHRED | HARD DRIVES—DESTROY THEM BUT DON’T JUST HAMMER, DRILL OR WIPE THEM

The destruction of your information on hard drives is just as important as the destruction of your information on paper. Many people believe that they can use a hammer or drill to destroy hard drives permanently. Some believe that formatting the drive or even wiping it will suffice. This is not really the case. Here is why…

Formatting a hard drive merely removes the indicators of where information is located on the drive platters. This makes it practically impossible for conventional applications to find your file information on the drive. However, specialty applications will find the file data and reassemble the files, which can then be misused. As far as wiping a drive goes, more sophisticated applications will recover the data. Yes, formatting and wiping hard drives are not 100% secure measures to destroy information on hard drives. We have heard that some folks wipe hard drives and pass them along to a friend or staff for continued use. This is as good as handing over an unformatted hard drive with confidential information to someone who should not be privy to that information. Hard drives are best not reused by anyone besides the original user.

Physical destruction of the hard drive platters is the only way to ensure complete destruction of the drive, and consequently, the information that has been recorded on the drive.

Now, the thinking becomes, if I hammer the drive into pieces or drill holes through it, I will certainly destroy the information on the drive. Well, doing so is using the wrong tools for the job, and will probably cause injury. Protect yourself from pain and medical cost by having your obsolete and damaged hard drives professionally destroyed. Furthermore, to be environmentally responsible, ensure that the method of destruction renders the destroyed hard drive components (precious metals and rare-earth metals) extractable and recyclable.

For individuals and businesses, remember to remove and destroy your hard drives and the information they contain before you recycle or throw out your old computers. It is imperative that the hard drives are not simply hammered, drilled, or wiped. Entrusting the hard drives to others if you are not sure of the hard drive destruction method they will use does not absolve you of liability if that information is ever retrieved and misused. A mobile/on-site NAID AAA Certified hard drive destruction company will use equipment and processes to destroy and dispose of hard drives efficiently, safely, economically, and environmentally responsibly. Ask to witness the hard drive destruction process. For additional information, read this link:  http://www.cnet.com/news/the-right-way-to-destroy-an-old-hard-drive/.

SELECTSHRED DOES SHREDDING AND HARD DRIVE DESTRUCTION IN STUART, SHREDDING AND HARD DRIVE DESTRUCTION IN PALM CITY, SHREDDING AND HARD DRIVE DESTRUCTION IN PORT ST LUCIE, SHREDDING AND HARD DRIVE DESTRUCTION IN FORT PIERCE AND THROUGHOUT PALM BEACH AND THE REST OF THE TREASURE COAST.

Richard Kinkead, Owner/President

Gloria Kinkead, Owner/Vice President

SelectShred, Inc.

T: (772) 463-3166

info@selectshred.com

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that some businesses don’t know if their documents are being shredded on-site. Even more unbelievable, are those who discover by chance that their documents are being carted away to be shredded off-site – not shredded on-site as they thought. On-site shredding is having your documents shredded at your location. Off-site shredding is having your documents transported to another location to be shredded.

Let’s be clear – it’s not illegal, it’s not unethical, and it’s not wrong to have off-site shredding. However, every individual and business should know what happens to their documents when their sensitive information is handed over to a third-party document destruction service. However, if you have a healthy dose of paranoia and would prefer that your documents be shredded at your location – that is your right to know. Certainly, it takes more time, more fuel, and more time on-site for a company to shred your documents on-site but your peace of mind in knowing that your documents are really destroyed is priceless.

On-site or off-site? Get an understanding of the difference between both options and be confident that your documents have been shredded. Take action to understand the implication of choosing one over the other because the accountability will rest with your company and its decision maker regarding the proper destruction of the documents in your custody. With the increase in information security breaches and identity theft, companies are more likely to choose on-site shredding to be sure their confidential information has been destroyed. Even when your documents are stored off-site, it is still your responsibility to ensure that the documents are properly destroyed and a certificate of destruction is provided by the entity that shredded the documents.

For the utmost in safeguarding the confidential information in your custody, use a mobile/on-site NAID AAA Certified document destruction company to destroy your confidential documents and your hard drives on-site (at your location). Ask to witness the destruction process. It’s your right to have your shredding done right…on-site.

Sometimes choosing off-site shredding can be like simply recycling – an accident waiting to happen. Read this article for more information.

Richard Kinkead, Owner/President

Gloria Kinkead, Owner/Vice President

SelectShred, Inc.

T: (772) 463-3166

info@selectshred.com

SelectShred does shredding in Stuart shredding in Palm City shredding in Port St Lucie shredding in Fort Pierce

SELECTSHRED | HOW EDUCATED ARE YOU ABOUT DOCUMENT SHREDDING?

SHREDDING IN PORT ST LUCIE SHREDDING IN FORT PIERCE SHREDDING IN VERO BEACH SHREDDING IN OKEECHOBEE SHREDDING IN STUART SHREDDING IN NORTH PALM BEACH SHREDDING IN HOBE SOUND

Education is the key to success in whatever you do. What you don’t know can hurt you. We have heard these things before and it is no different when you need to choose a shredding company for one-time service or recurring service. We are always pleased when prospective customers ask for business credentials. Would you really use a service without some understanding of its various components, or hire any other professional without ascertaining proper credentials? The liability rests with your organization. Let’s look at the following three suggestions:

1. Know the importance of shredding. You are not throwing out trash. Your business reputation and customer/client relationship depend on your knowledge of why it’s important to shred the confidential information in your custody. It also includes knowing the steps to fight identity theft and information theft by implementing systems to make sure that your documents are secure until they are ready to be destroyed in a timely manner.
2. Understand the reasons for shredding. Your company can be fined or otherwise penalized if it is not compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. It is also important to understand how your decision to avoid implementing a document destruction process adversely affects your customers, your public image, your employees, corporate ethics, and your trade information rights.
3. Ascertain the credentials of your shredding company. Are you using a NAID AAA Certified Company bound by strict industry standards that includes background checks for personnel handling your sensitive documents? Are the companies you are considering carrying adequate liability insurance? Are your documents transported away to be shredded at a remote location and at a later date? Are your shredded materials being recycled at an appropriate recycling facility?

Know the process by which your confidential information will be handled and destroyed, and know that your shredding company is equipped and certified to provide secure service.

These are just a few steps in the education process as you are faced with deciding who will handle your document destruction services. It is always wise to remember that ultimately, the accountability rests with your company’s decision maker so make time to make wise choices.

http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus54-financial-institutions-and-customer-information-complying-safeguards-rule

Richard Kinkead, Owner/President

Gloria Kinkead, Owner/Vice President

SelectShred, Inc.

T: (772) 463-3166

info@selectshred.com

An early participant in the shred event having his confidential documents shredded

Residents came to the Stuart Police Department on Saturday, August 2, 2014 to have their confidential documents shredded on-site. They arrived before the scheduled start time of 10:00 AM and were still arriving after the closing time of 1:00 PM.

Due to the great publicity done by the Stuart Police Department, the free shred event to fight identity theft was a success. Over 113 vehicles with happy and appreciative residents rolled into the Stuart Police Department parking lot. Over 3.6 tons of documents were shredded on-site – a win for identity theft protection and for the environment – all destroyed materials are recycled into new paper products. The police department did a great job in promoting the event.  People reported seeing the announcement on the television, in the newspaper, and on social media, as well as hearing about it on the radio, and from family, friends, and neighbors. They reported that they came from as far as Fort Pierce and Palm Beach.

For those who requested to see their documents shredded in their presence, we honored their request. In addition to seeing their documents placed into bins and hoisted into the truck, they were able to watch the shredding through the video monitor on the truck. As law enforcement agencies and the media make an impact by promoting shred events, increasing public awareness of identity theft, and encouraging shredding of personal documents, the serious matter of keeping confidential information away from dumpster divers is being successfully driven home. Residential customers do not only want their information shredded but they insist that it is shredded in their presence. For residents, their objectives are to prevent identity theft and have peace of mind, knowing that their sensitive information is securely destroyed.

We extend our thanks and appreciation to the Stuart Police Department for this partnership opportunity to fight identity theft. Residents who came expressed their gratitude for the service and the question of the day was “When are you doing this again?”  Follow the Stuart Police Dapartment’s Facebook page for more information.

Richard Kinkead, Owner/President

Gloria Kinkead, Owner/Vice President

SelectShred, Inc.

T: (772) 463-3166

info@selectshred.com

FIGHT IDENTITY THEFT WITH A FREE SHRED EVENT HOSTED BY THE STUART POLICE DEPARTMENT, ALONG WITH SELECTSHRED, ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2014 AT THE STUART POLICE DEPARTMENT, 830 S.E. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BOULEVARD, FROM 10:00 AM TO 1:00 PM

Florida is known for having the nation’s highest rate of identity theft. There are many ways to prevent identity theft. Getting free credit reports, monitoring your credit cards, and checking bank account activity are just a few. Shredding is another way to ensure that your confidential information is destroyed and prevented from getting into the wrong hands.

Here are some types of sensitive information that you should shred when they are no longer needed: credit/debit card receipts, old tax records, insurance records, bank statements, cancelled checks, health records, financial documents, legal documents, and all other documents with your social security number and driver’s license number. Also, don’t forget to destroy those credit card offer letters and the billing information in the center pages of magazines.

Individuals and businesses have to make sure that they do everything to keep sensitive information from dumpster divers. If you have accumulated too much to shred by yourself, use a secure, convenient, and economical NAID AAA Certified Company to destroy it. It is important to use a secure on-site shredding service. Even with this shred event, your documents are not carted away to be sorted and shredded at another location but will be shredded on-site. All shredded materials are recycled into new paper products that help you to be “green” because paper is kept out of landfills to minimize negative impact on the environment.

Free shred events are more than opportunities to have your confidential documents shredded at no cost. They are occasions to become educated about document destruction that go far beyond just getting rid of documents that are no longer necessary to keep. These are also great public service events to promote the awareness of identity theft and the importance of shredding to protect sensitive information.

For more information, read the following link from Florida’s Attorney General to find out more about identity theft. http://myfloridalegal.com/identitytheft

Richard Kinkead, Owner/President

Gloria Kinkead, Owner/Vice President

SelectShred, Inc.

T: (772) 463-3166

info@selectshred.com

In addition to shredding confidential information to prevent it from getting into the wrong hands, there are many other preventive steps to avoid the misuse of information. The following is a common sense approach to handling requests for information because it is not always appropriate for information to be shared in its entirety.

Here is a tip for government agencies and others that receive requests for information and need to “blot out” pieces of sensitive information before distribution:

• Never electronically erase or blot out information to be concealed and distribute the electronic document since electronic files almost always retain easily retrievable original information, even when it is visually concealed.

• Never distribute blotted or scanned images of blotted documents since blotting does not perfectly conceal or destroy print.

• Delete the information to be concealed. Carefully review the document with deletions to ensure that the deleted information cannot be deduced from the given information. Use a professional/expert to review the document with deletions if necessary. Print a copy of the document with deletions.

• Scan the copy of the document with deletions into graphical format and shred the printed copy.

• Electronically transmit the scanned (graphical format) copy of the document with deletions or distribute a hard copy of the scanned image,

• It is always prudent to consult with your local NAID AAA Certified document destruction company for helpful hints on securing your personal documents or business records. A key component of your shredding company should be to educate about the perils of casually disseminating sensitive information.

Follow the link below to learn more about safeguarding the confidential information in your custody.

http://www.nacua.org/nacualert/docs/GrammLeachBliley_Act/FTC_Complying_With_Safeguards.pdf

Of course, it is always most prudent to shred first with a NAID AAA Certified on-site document destruction company and then have that company take care of recycling the shredded paper.

Richard Kinkead, Owner/President

Gloria Kinkead, Owner/Vice President

SelectShred, Inc.

T: (772) 463-3166

info@selectshred.com

SELECTSHRED | IT’S PUBLIC INFORMATION—NO NEED TO SHRED. IS THAT REALLY TRUE? – PORT SAINT LUCIE SHREDDING FORT PIERCE SHREDDING INDIANTOWN SHREDDING STUART SHREDDING PALM CITY SHREDDING OKEECHOBEE SHREDDING HOBE SOUND SHREDDING

“It is public information and there is no reason to shred it. If we see there is no confidential information on the paper, we are absolutely confident in putting it in the trash or in a recycle bin.” Is that really true? Even with requests for public information, there is accountability involved. When requests for information are made to public agencies, some information is responsibly blotted out and a chain of custody is established (who is asking for the information). This is done to maintain confidentiality and establish accountability. Whether you are a financial institution, medical facility, or government agency, it is never acceptable to have information casually passed around or discarded.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is very emphatic with its FACTA Disposal Rule and states that it applies to large and small organizations such as consumer reporting companies, lenders, insurers, employers, landlords, government agencies, mortgage brokers, car dealerships, attorneys, private investigators, and debt collectors. Your organization has an obligation to protect the identity and privacy of the public, clients or customers when their personal information is collected to conduct business. It is the legal right of the public, clients, and customers to expect any organization to take every precaution to protect their confidential information, including shredding the information before it is discarded. Click on the following link to learn about the FACTA Disposal Rule http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2005/06/facta-disposal-rule-goes-effect-june-1

As we have said in the past, accountability is paramount in protecting your establishment in case of an alleged data breach. Everything will rest on what you have in place to prove that you have done everything in your power to avoid data breaches, protect privacy, and safeguard the confidential information in your custody. Otherwise, you might face daunting legal issues, fines, destroyed reputation, and even settlement costs. Even public agencies can get drawn into costly legal battles when seemingly benign information such as email addresses get exposed without the expressed consent of the owner. Use a NAID AAA Certified company that can provide assistance in reviewing and preparing written document security and destruction policies and procedures, and assist in staff training.

In addition to preventing information from getting into the wrong hands, let’s consider that all shredded materials are recycled into new paper products. It is kept out of the landfills and has become a reusable resource.

Richard Kinkead, Owner/President

Gloria Kinkead, Owner/Vice President

SelectShred, Inc.

T: (772) 463-3166

info@selectshred.com

SELECTSHRED | IS YOUR DOCUMENT DISPOSAL PROCESS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN? – PORT SAINT LUCIE SHREDDING FORT PIERCE SHREDDING INDIANTOWN SHREDDING STUART SHREDDING PALM CITY SHREDDING OKEECHOBEE SHREDDING HOBE SOUND SHREDDING

Accidents happen but don’t let your document disposal process be an accident waiting to happen. We always advocate that you should shred first and then recycle. Recycling without first shredding your paper documents is not the most secure method for disposing of confidential information. Recycling whole paper can cause your business to be vulnerable to the liabilities and penalties from information security breaches.

Shredding is the most common acceptable method of confidential document destruction and is considered as taking reasonable measures to protect against unauthorized access to or use of information when it is disposed of. Don’t let sensitive information accidentally get into the wrong hands. Paper documents sent for recycling are often manually sorted in usable and intact form, rendering the confidential information vulnerable to misuse. Recycling also provides no documentation that confidential information has been securely destroyed. Recycling without shredding by a third party presents the same vulnerabilities as putting confidential information in the trash.

The practice of using recycling as a method of discarding information will not provide appropriate legal protection in case of an information security breach. Recycling alone will not provide a certificate of destruction. However, an on-site third party shredding service will provide a certificate of destruction, prove that a business took all reasonable measures to avoid an information security breach, and provide appropriate legal protection. Also, remember you are still green when you shred first with a reputable, responsible mobile shredding service because all shredded materials are recycled into new paper products.

Shredding with a third party service such as a NAID AAA Certified company that destroys the confidential documents at your location is your best guarantee to fight identity theft, safeguard confidential information, and protect your company’s proprietary information.

Click on the following link to see one of the vulnerabilities of recycling without shredding first with a secure mobile/on site document shredding service. http://wgntv.com/2014/06/03/sb-dan-ryan-shutdown-at-95th-due-to-crash-involving-bus-semi/

Richard Kinkead, Owner/President

Gloria Kinkead, Owner/Vice President

SelectShred, Inc.

T: (772) 463-3166

info@selectshred.com

SELECTSHRED | HARD DRIVE DESTRUCTION – STUART SHREDDING AND HARD DRIVE DESTRUCTION PALM CITY SHREDDING AND HARD DRIVE DESTRUCTION PORT SAINT LUCIE SHREDDING AND HARD DRIVE DESTRUCTION FORT PIERCE SHREDDING AND HARD DRIVE DESTRUCTION

How often do you think of hard drive destruction and the importance of destroying the information on hard drives so that it never comes back to haunt you? We get it about document destruction. We know that we should shred documents so that their contents can never be retrieved. The same thinking should apply to properly destroying information on hard drives.

In addition to paper records, many businesses and individuals keep confidential information on computer hard drives. Commercial photocopier hard drives also store the processed images. Certain video recorders also store data on hard drives. Damaged or outdated hard drives must be destroyed to ensure that confidential information is not compromised. Simply erasing electronic files or formatting hard drives does not destroy the stored information. A hard drive contains an indexing table that points to the location of file contents. “Permanently deleting” electronic files from a hard drive removes the indicator of where the file information is located on the hard drive, but does not actually remove file contents. Also, formatting hard drives destroys the indexing table but does not remove the file contents. These file contents are routinely recovered and reassembled with hard drive data recovery software, unless the platters on which the information is stored are physically distorted/damaged. Complete hard drive data destruction requires physical destruction of the hard drive by physical distortion of the platters. Do not use a hammer or drill to destroy a hard drive. It is unsafe, uneconomical, and a waste of your time. There is a safe and secure alternative!

Some shredding trucks (such as SelectShred’s) have hard drive destroyers that physically destroy the platters, rendering the hard drives unusable and data irretrievable. You can witness the on-site hard drive destruction. The hard drives can be returned to you. However, it is best to have them responsibly disposed of, wherein the rare earth magnets and other metals in the hard drives are extracted and recycled, ensuring total destruction of the drives and keeping toxic materials out of the landfills. The hard drive serial numbers are recorded and certificates of destruction are provided. This process assures you of the ultimate destruction of information stored on hard drives.

Do not allow your personal or corporate information to be retrieved from carelessly discarded hard drives (not physically destroyed) and be misused. Please read the article contained in this link: http://www.sdbmagazine.com/sdb0514-digital-security.aspx

For additional information, please call us.

Richard Kinkead, Owner/President

Gloria Kinkead, Owner/Vice President

SelectShred, Inc.

T: (772) 463-3166

info@selectshred.com

SELECTSHRED | WHAT DOES THE RED FLAGS RULE MEAN TO YOU?

It seems that every day there is a report of another data security breach and the ongoing fight against identity theft continues. Unfortunately, some of the data breaches occur in our own companies and sometimes involve trusted employees. The Red Flags Rule requires businesses and organizations to implement a written identity program for detecting the “red flags” of identity theft.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces the Red Flags Rule with several other agencies.

On January 1, 2011, the FTC began enforcing its Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA) Red Flags Rule. It requires organizations that extend payment terms to customers to implement a written identity theft prevention program which identifies customer information that is vulnerable to unauthorized access; institutes precautions to address those identity theft vulnerabilities and train employees to comply with the precautions; alert the authorities or alert potential victims when a threat to identity theft is realized; have the program signed by the board or company owners annually; and require audits of data-related vendors with access to personal information. Follow this link for additional information: http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus23-fighting-identity-theft-red-flags-rule-how-guide-business

The National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) plays an important role in encouraging its service provider members to help with customer’s Red Flags Rule compliance. A NAID AAA Certified company’s compliance with NAID standards ensures that you are compliant with the federal regulations that govern your industry such as FACTA, GLBA, and HIPAA.  A NAID AAA Certified company performs the due diligence that is required to make sure that when your company uses a shredding service, the personnel that handles your confidential information have undergone initial and random drug/substance abuse monitoring, initial and periodic criminal record searches, driver record reviews, employee training, access control, and other factors covered by NAID Certification. Follow this link to read more: https://www.proshred.com/selectshred/wp-content/themes/Liveset/pdf/313_NAID-RedFlags-brochure.pdf

Richard Kinkead, Owner/President

Gloria Kinkead, Owner/Vice President

SelectShred, Inc.

T: (772) 463-3166

info@selectshred.com