Certified vs Secure Shredding Services

Just what makes a company qualified to accept, handle, and shred important, sensitive documents? The National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) has a certification program that was developed by information security professionals and recognized by thousands of private and governmental organizations around the world.
NAID certification is a method by which customers can verify that an information document destruction company is actually a legitimate company that complies with all recommended industry quality standards. NAID inspects a company’s legitimacy so you don’t have to.

The NAID has a AAA certification program that is a voluntary program for NAID member companies. An application must be filed for a company to apply for NAID AAA status. Audits are performed, both scheduled and unannounced, to ensure that standards, laws, and regulations are adhered to.

Several institutions nowadays require their shredding service to be NAID AAA certified. Anyone dealing with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) Final Disposal Rule, entities having to adhere to rules and laws governing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and banks are just some of the many business entities who require the AAA certification to do business with a shredding company.

When a NAID Member has had a successful audit, they are issued a certificate, showing their company name, type of operations and the specific media destruction performed at their location. The NAID member is also listed on the NAID website as certified. This Certification will be effective for one calendar year. Certified NAID Members are required to apply for recertification on a yearly basis to keep their Certification active. 

Auditors will have full latitude to check any and all criteria required for certification but
will focus on security measures and observable operations that occur on a daily basis. Any problems or issues found during an unannounced audit will be referred to the Certification Review Board for review. The Certification Review Board may require that necessary actions take place by the member to rectify problems immediately and can revoke their certification status during that period. 

Companies who have failed an audit do not lose their NAID membership but are no longer considered AAA certified until they reapply and pass the NAID audit.


Integra Certified Document Destruction is your AAA certified expert in accepting, handling, and shredding your sensitive, personal information.  Visit them at www.wasteawaygroup.com or www.integrashred.com.


naidonline.com