I normally don’t post press releases, but because this one offers free services in support of Data Privacy Day and because I was I just talking about the need to securely destroy paper records, it gets the plug:
Access Information Management, provider of records management, storage and destruction services for hardcopy and electronic records will host free document shredding at locations nationwide to promote data privacy awareness on National Data Privacy Day, Friday, January 28, 2011.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that each year, as many as 9 million individuals fall victim to identity theft. Individuals and organizations can better protect themselves by properly destroying documents that contain private information before they are disposed.
Individuals from surrounding communities are encouraged to bring their paper records and documents that are no longer needed to their nearest Access location for free, secure destruction on National Data Privacy Day. Examples of the types of documents that individuals need to properly destroy before disposal include: bank statements, credit card statements, utility bills, cancelled checks, pre-approved credit card forms and any other documentation that contains personal data. Documents submitted for destruction will be securely shredded by Access and all of the resulting materials will be recycled.
No-cost shred events will be held at Access locations across the United States, including: Northern and Southern California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Oregon and Wisconsin. Participating National Data Privacy Day shred location addresses and a calendar of no-cost, Access destruction events is available online at: http://accesscorp.com/upcoming-events.htm.
“Access is proud to support data privacy education and offer free, valuable services to the communities we serve,” said David Gesinger, Executive Vice President of Operations, Access Information Management. “Introducing individuals to secure data destruction will help prevent identity theft. We will further support the well-being of the communities we serve by recycling the shredded paper, diverting materials from growing local landfills. This is a win-win for all involved. “
Access is a member of the National Association of Information Destruction (NAID).
Why not take advantage of this one, folks, if you’re in the areas where their events are hosted? Do you really need to retain all of that old data that may no longer be accurate, but might be? Purge, purge, purge, but purge safely!