The 1-5mm Shred Size Myth: What You Need to Know

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Some shredding providers make bold claims about their destruction capabilities—but are they actually telling the truth? If you’ve ever shopped around for shredding services in Pittsburgh, you’ve probably heard companies boast about achieving “1mm x 5mm” particle sizes with their mobile trucks. Here’s the reality: this claim is misleading at best, and completely false at…

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Why Chain of Custody Matters in Shredding

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When Pittsburgh businesses hand over sensitive documents for destruction, they’re not just getting rid of paper—they’re transferring responsibility for protecting confidential information. This transfer requires a critical security protocol that many organizations overlook: chain of custody documentation. Chain of custody isn’t just paperwork; it’s your legal protection and compliance guarantee rolled into one essential process.…

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Avoid PHI Breaches with HIPAA-Compliant Shredding

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Healthcare organizations in Pittsburgh face an alarming reality: Protected Health Information (PHI) breaches can cost millions in fines and irreparably damage patient trust. While most practices focus on digital security, physical documents containing PHI often represent the weakest link in your compliance strategy. The simple act of tossing patient records in regular trash or using…

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How Secure Document Shredding Helps Prevent Senior Identity Theft

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Following National Senior Fraud Awareness Day on May 15th, it’s important to highlight one of the most effective yet overlooked methods of protecting older adults from identity theft: secure document shredding. As seniors continue to be disproportionately targeted by fraudsters, understanding how proper document destruction plays a vital role in preventing identity theft has never…

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Academic Records: Best Practices for Compliance and Accessibility

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In today’s data-driven educational environment, proper management of academic records isn’t just about organization, it’s about maintaining compliance, ensuring accessibility, and protecting sensitive information. Educational institutions across Western Pennsylvania face increasingly complex regulations regarding student records, making professional records management more crucial than ever. Understanding Academic Records Compliance Educational institutions must navigate a complex web…

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Document Shredding Myths Debunked: The Truth Behind Secure Destruction

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In today’s world of increasing data breaches and identity theft, proper document destruction has never been more important. Yet many businesses and individuals still cling to misconceptions about professional shredding services. At Allegheny Records, we’re setting the record straight by debunking some of the most common document shredding myths. Myth #1: Professional Shredding is Too…

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Choosing the Right Document Scanning Vendor for Your Business

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A Century of Scanning Seeking an efficient way to preserve and store large volumes of documents, George McCarthy invented microfilm scanners in the 1920s and patented them in 1925. Originally designed for banking records, document scanning has evolved into an essential tool for businesses seeking to streamline operations, improve information access, and reduce physical storage…

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What is a “Shred-All” Policy?

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“Cut off your files – before they cut you off!” This famous slogan from the National Archives and Records Administration might sound dramatic, but it carries a vital message about managing records responsibly. Originally crafted over 30 years ago, its relevance has only grown. With the rise of privacy laws and identity theft risks, failing…

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Building a Comprehensive Records Management Training Program for Employees

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In today’s data-driven business environment, proper records management isn’t just about organizing files – it’s about protecting your organization’s most valuable assets. As Pittsburgh’s trusted partner in records management and storage, we understand that a well-trained staff makes the difference between a secure, efficient records system and a compliance nightmare. The foundation of effective records…

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It’s Fraud Awareness Week. Are You Protected?

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As International Fraud Awareness Week (November 17-23, 2024) approaches, it’s crucial for Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania residents and businesses to understand their role in preventing fraud. At Allegheny Records, we’re proud to support this global initiative while helping our local community protect sensitive information from increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts. Understanding the Impact of Fraud Fraud…

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