The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes in to effect across the EU on 25th May 2018. It replaces existing EU and UK data protection law and will be enforced in the UK by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Breaches can result in huge fines of up to 4% of turnover or €20 million whichever is the greater.

GDPR is not about database marketing and emails. It's about how organisations obtain, store and use personal information. Personal data is anything which identifies an individual, or can be associated with an individual. The aim of the regulation is to give citizens greater control over what can be done with their personal data by businesses.

GDPR covers files held on paper, the content of your filing cabinet, the contact list on your smartphone, direct mail, computers, storage devices and emails.

While digital data is high on an organisation’s agenda it would be a mistake to assume that paper-based security risks have gone away. Paperwork still accounts for many common security breaches.

Between July and September 2016, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) recorded 598 data security incidents and 40% of these were attributed to paper.

How to avoid paper work breaches

One way of overcoming some of the risks associated with paper is to make sure your company has a data disposal policy. Introducing clear rules about the use of paper documents containing information about an identifiable person and their personal data, and then a process for correct shredding of documents is the first step towards GDPR compliance.

The availability of suitable shredding machines is crucial to the success of an effective document shredding policy.

We can help you choose the right shredder for your business through 3 simple questions.

1. Where and how will the shredder be used?

Multiple users in a large office space where usage will be heavy, will require a shredder capable of handling large volumes and a larger bin capacity. While a compact model will be ideal for a small or home office.

2. What security level is required?

Each cut type shreds an A4 document into a number of pieces. Security is measured by a ‘P scale’ which relates directly to the cut the shredder provides. The larger the number of pieces the greater the security level. For example a P-3 cross-cut is suitable for day-to-day shredding of non-sensitive documents, while a P-6 shredder delivers a micro cut providing ultra-secure shredding for the most sensitive documents.

3. Manual vs Auto Feed?

Productivity and efficiency are also key factors. Rexel Auto Feed shredders feature award-winning technology, which means you spend 98% less time at the shredder compared to manual feed shredding. With these models you simply stack the paper in the shredder, shut and lock the lid and continue with your day-to-day business.