The National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) is the international trade association for companies providing information destruction services. As more businesses realize their liability for the data security on their data containing devices, there will be a growing demand for companies who treat information destruction as a profession and not just a by-product of an electronic recycling business.
Voluntary membership in NAID is one way to separate organizations who want to make data security for their clients a priority. According to the NAID by-laws, the purpose and goals of this non-profit association are:
- To promote and encourage the highest standards of ethics for the information destruction industry.
- To promote the interests and general welfare of the information destruction industry; to encourage efficiency and bring about improvement in such services; to extend the scope of the industry, and to encourage the use of the services provided by members by commerce, industry, education institutions, and government.
- To create a wider recognition of the industry as meeting the needs of commerce, industry, education institutions, and government and its role in protecting the confidentiality of information and records.
- To conduct and promote research regarding improved processes, materials and marketing for the information destruction industry.
- To establish wider communications between companies engaged in the industry.
- To conduct and promote such other logical activities that will enhance the economic growth of the information destruction industry.
NAID requires members to adhere to the following strict Code of Ethics:
Members shall not by any means engage in, nor allow the use of, statements that are false, misleading, incomplete, or likely to mislead consumers or members of the public.
Members shall respect the confidential nature of the customers’ records and shall maintain appropriate protection to prevent any disclosure of such information except when required by law.
Members shall uphold and improve the integrity of the industry by affirmations of truth, fairness and professional conduct.
Members shall not consider or represent general office paper recycling as a form of destruction.
Members shall provide opportunities for the interchange of experience, opinions and knowledge through meetings, discussions and publications, for the improvement of the industry, and for the benefit of customers.
Members shall price their services in a manner that accurately reflects the terms of service and pricing as understood by the client.
Members shall promote the purpose and effectiveness of the information destruction industry by any and all means consistent with the public interest.
Members shall abide by Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
Members shall abide by, and be subject to, the By-Laws of the Association.
Members shall deal fairly with their customers, employees and suppliers.
Members shall be good corporate citizens by serving the community.
Members shall be honest, truthful and fair to all concerned.
Having a such a strict Code of Ethics offers businesses and organizations an extra measure of confidence when working with NAID members – it indicates that their data destruction service provider makes professionalism a priority.
If you are interested in learning more about NAID or why we chose to be members of this information destruction association, contact us. We take the security of your data seriously and voluntarily choose to adhere to these principals. Contact us if you are looking for an organization who will treat your data destruction needs – whether you are a large corporation or a small to medium sized business – with the utmost integrity.