Take our quiz to see how much you know about Data Security…

Digitally deleting data from my hard drive is the safest way to remove my confidential data.

FALSE

Did you know that a single hard drive can contain thousands of files? A vast number of people believe simply pressing ‘delete’ safely removes your data. However this is not the case as it is often seen in the news with data security breaches. Leaked confidential information about your clients, employees or the public can have devastating effects for your business resulting in fines up to 4% of your company’s global turnover or €20million, whichever is greater according to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Recycling bins are safe enough to store and dispose my company information in.

FALSE

You may think you are contributing to your company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals by recycling your paper, however you may also be risking your company’s reputation. Ripping up paper and putting it in your recycling bin still leaves the risk of your documents being easily removed and/or stolen. Instead, we recommend to store your confidential documents in a lockable console (also known as a shredding receptacle). This reduces the risk of a data breach and also helps reinforce a ‘shred-all’ policy, whilst still contributing to your CSR commitments.

Companies that have a ‘shred-all’ policy significantly reduce the risk of a data breach.

TRUE

Having a ‘shred-all’ policy takes the decision making out for the employees. This will reduce the risk of human error and increase the compliance of the company. Another benefit of such a policy includes improving your CSR through 100% recycling.

Confidential data and information comes in many forms, not just documents.

TRUE

At Topwood, we also destruct workwear to help protect your brand security, protect your company’s reputation and reduce the risk of anybody impersonating your staff. Our shredders can also destroy any branded products, misprinted packaging, rejected stock and as previously mentioned media and hard drives.

Once my documents have been collected and shredded, it is no longer my responsibility.

FALSE

The law requires every collector of waste to have a waste carrier’s license. That means that the waste creator holds the responsibility to use a licensed company to dispose of their waste legally. Failure to comply could mean that the waste creator is prosecuted. If you want to know what to look out for, take a look at ours here.

How did you do?

If you want to make sure you are securely disposing of your confidential waste, please get in contact.