When one thinks of data security, the only thing that comes to mind is protecting digital files. However, a business could suffer from breaches even when it comes to hard copies. It could be as simple as someone picking the not-shredded documents out of the trash. Therefore, entrepreneurs should never overlook or cut corners when shredding sensitive documents. Below are six risks associated with not shredding documents before recycling them. Data breach One of the most common breaches is a data breach. This could occur when sensitive documents are leaked within or outside a company. If the paperwork falls into the wrong hands, the business and its clients may fall prey to identity theft, fraud, and other forms of crime, including cyber crime. Legal consequences Poor document disposal could attract legal consequences. Several industries are subject to data protection regulations that require secure data disposal, including HIPAA or GDPR. Businesses that do not comply with the regulations will have to pay heavy fines and undergo legal action, which could also damage the company’s reputation in the long run. Customer attrition A customer who signs up with a business entrusts them with sensitive information. Therefore, if the data is breached due to improper disposal, the user might lose faith in the organization.