What is NAID AAA Certification

Unlock the Power of Secure Information Management with i-SIGMA®

i-SIGMA® is your trusted partner for comprehensive records and information management. We bring together the expertise of two industry leaders, NAID® and PRISM International™, to cover all aspects of information security, ensuring your data remains safeguarded in today's complex regulatory landscape.

Our Four Pillars of Excellence

At i-SIGMA®, we understand that effective information management rests on four key pillars:

1. Physical Records and Information Storage: We provide secure storage solutions to protect your physical documents from loss, damage, or unauthorized access.

2. Data Protection and Media Vaulting: Ensure the safety of your digital assets and sensitive media through our advanced data protection services.

3. Digitizing and Scanning: Embrace the digital age with our digitization and scanning services, enhancing accessibility while maintaining security.

4. Confidential Records and Information Destruction Services: Trust in our NAID AAA Certified partners for secure and compliant destruction of confidential information.

NAID AAA Certification: Your Seal of Trust

Valley Green Shredding proudly holds the NAID AAA Certification, a symbol of excellence in the information destruction industry. This certification, considered the gold standard, signifies our commitment to the highest security standards.

What NAID AAA Certification Entails:

- Rigorous Auditing: NAID Certified companies undergo thorough announced and unannounced audits to ensure compliance with industry standards.

- Stringent Security Specifications: Our auditors meticulously verify various security specifications, including:

  • Employment Background Checks: We ensure that individuals with a history of related crimes are not employed within our organization.

  • Policy Adherence: Our security and operations policies and procedures are documented and strictly followed.

  • Equipment and Facility Inspection: Our destruction equipment is regularly maintained for safe and efficient operation, and our facilities adhere to top security standards.

  • Access Control: We restrict access to sensitive materials at all times to prevent unauthorized handling.

  • Secure Transport: Our containers and vehicles are designed to protect information during transit and processing, guarding against unauthorized access.

  • Comprehensive Auditing: We maintain an audit trail, including CCTV image capture and retention, along with a well-documented chain of custody.

Your Compliance Assurance

Selecting a NAID AAA Certified company not only safeguards your data but also ensures compliance with data protection laws. Our informative video at the top of the page elaborates on how this certification fulfills essential regulatory requirements, emphasizing the importance of specific language and provisions in your data destruction policies.

Contact Us Today

For more information or to request a quote, please don't hesitate to reach out to us by phone or by completing the form on this page. Your data security and compliance are our top priorities, and we are here to assist you every step of the way.

Purpose of NAID AAA Certification Program

The NAID AAA Certification Program is a voluntary initiative designed for companies that provide information destruction services and are members of NAID. This program assesses and verifies the competence of NAID members involved in various aspects of information destruction, including mobile and plant-based operations for paper or printed media, micromedia, computer hard drive destruction, and computer hard drive sanitization. It's important to note that this certification program applies to individual company locations.

How the NAID AAA Certification Program Works

NAID is the leading authority in the information destruction industry, setting the standards for excellence. The NAID AAA Certification is a seal of approval that ensures certified information destruction providers meet rigorous standards. This is accomplished through a comprehensive audit program, including scheduled and unannounced audits. The program plays a crucial role in helping organizations worldwide meet legal requirements for safeguarding confidential customer information. Here are some key regulations it addresses:

1. FACTA Final Disposal Rule: Mandates the destruction of all consumer information before disposal. Covered entities must ensure compliance when hiring organizations to destroy consumer records.

2. FACTA Red Flags Rule: Requires audits of data-related vendors with access to personal customer information.

3. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Holds covered entities responsible for security breaches caused by their business associates. Choosing a NAID certified vendor reduces this risk. Business associates must also adhere to HIPAA's security requirements.

4. PCI (Payment Card Industry) Compliance: NAID certification aligns with PCI media destruction specifications, ensuring that hard copy materials and electronic media are securely destroyed to prevent unauthorized access.

The NAID AAA Certification Program has been developed by information security experts and enjoys recognition from numerous private and governmental organizations worldwide. The certification process involves:

  • Certified Auditors: All regional, third-party NAID auditors hold Certified Protection Professional accreditation from ASIS International. They are extensively trained in certification audit procedures and requirements.

  • Confidential Material Security: Auditors verify the presence of protocols to maintain the security of confidential materials throughout all stages of the destruction process, including handling, transportation, storage, destruction, and responsible disposal.

  • Background Screening: A stringent three-level background screening process ensures that individuals with a history of relevant crimes are not involved in handling confidential material.

  • Unannounced Audits: Companies with NAID certification are subject to comprehensive unannounced audits at any time. This encourages continuous compliance with the program's standards.

  • Certification Review Board: This board monitors and addresses non-compliance reports promptly. Repeat or severe infractions may result in fines or even the removal of certification.

The NAID AAA Certification Program is a vital resource for companies seeking to assure their clients and partners that they meet the highest standards of information destruction, thereby safeguarding sensitive data and complying with legal obligations.