If you are an administrative professional handling client or employee documents, it’s critical that you are familiar with the intricacies of NAID. The National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) is an organization that sets the information destruction standards for companies that offer document shredding as well as those who destroy digital files and offer digital file storage. With mounting threats to personal security, it is more important than ever to make sure that your organization is prioritizing privacy and meeting NAID’s compliance standards. Entrusting your data disposal to a NAID-Certified company will make an impactful difference in your ability to confidently protect this important information. Here, we discuss what NAID is, why it operates, the risks of non-compliance, and what you can do to maintain critical privacy standards in your office.
Who is NAID
In order to understand the benefits of working with a NAID-certified company for your data disposal, let’s first take a look at what the National Association for Information Destruction actually does. Many information privacy laws such as FACTA, HIPAA, and PCI are set by government agencies to protect individual privacy. While NAID is not responsible for creating the laws, it does set industry standards regarding how to properly store and carry out the destruction of data in order to protect privacy based on different industry regulations.
NAID Certification
Working with a NAID-certified company will ensure that your sensitive hardcopy or digital data is stored and destroyed in a way that meets or exceeds the standards that have been set by these government regulations. Partnering with a NAID-certified company also guarantees that you will remain abreast of any changes to these regulations which might affect your organization.
How do companies like URM Technologies become certified? The NAID AAA Certification Program is a voluntary program that allows its members to submit to regular security audits and be recognized for their outstanding performance in maintaining information privacy. To qualify, companies like URM pass regular testing in areas like employee regulations (background screening, drug testing, and mandatory confidentiality agreements), as well as upholding policies and procedures for maintaining highly secure vehicles, shredders, and transportation methods. According to the official NAID website the rigorous certification program was, “developed by information security professionals and [is] recognized by thousands of private and governmental organizations around the world.” When it comes to trusting that the disposal of your company’s sensitive material will stay compliant, make sure you look for a trusted storage, shredding, and destruction service vendor that boasts these credentials.
Repercussions of Noncompliance
The loss of personnel or consumer information can be any organization’s worst nightmare. From bad PR, to class action lawsuits, to financial repercussions, there are numerous ways that failing to protect an individual’s privacy can spell disaster. Companies who have compromised the privacy of their client base face the extremely difficult challenge of restoring their public image and regaining trust. This can lead to a loss in maintaining customers and profits. Monetary amends in the form of legal settlements and government fines can also be enforced causing a serious negative impact on companies. These fines vary from case to case and can be costly and severe, sometimes even resulting in bankruptcy. To eliminate the risk of privacy violations and the fallout that can occur, make sure your company is aligning itself with a NAID-certified organization, like URM Technologies.
URM Technologies
As a AAA-Certified member of NAID with a long history of quickly and securely disposing of hardcopy and digital files, URM Technologies is a standout choice for all of your data storage and destruction needs. To find out more about what our experience and customer service can do for you, contact one of our friendly staff members today.
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