Paper shredding a key data protection measure

Paper records management remains a relevant and important method of maintaining important documents. However, finding success with paper records is somewhat contingent on properly disposing of forms and documents that are no longer necessary.

Illinois State Representative Emily McAsey recently said shredding paper documents is an important data protection procedure to keep personal information safe after forms are no longer needed for record keeping purposes, the Herald News, a local newspaper sponsored by the Chicago Sun-Times, reported.

"[Shredding] provides an opportunity to dump some of those old bills, forms and other documents that may contain personal information," McAsey explained.

Shredding is widely considered to be one of the most secure and reliable forms of disposing of paper records, and many experts recommend consumers and businesses regularly shred documents and forms that are not needed for record-keeping purposes. This could include superfluous copies of paperwork, original files that are no longer relevant or documents that contained errors and need to be replaced. Each of these document types could contain potential harmful data if they fall into the wrong hands, making shredding a key process for consumers and businesses alike.