No Substitute for Certified Security: Why Educating Prospects on i-SIGMA’s NAID AAA Certification Is a Must

May 13, 2025

By Heather Fitzanko, CSDS

In an age where data breaches make headlines and regulatory scrutiny is increasing across industries, NAID AAA Certified shredding companies offer a critical safeguard that many businesses still don’t fully understand—or value appropriately. Too often, vendors and prospects believe that simply “complying with security standards” is sufficient protection when it comes to data destruction. But as we know, there is a world of difference between compliance and certification.

NAID AAA Certified service providers not only understand the importance of third-party oversight—they live it. But if clients and prospects are not actively being educated about why NAID AAA Certification matters, there is a risk of being lumped in with providers who self-attest to standards without any external validation. Now, more than ever, it’s imperative to champion this message: There is no substitute for NAID AAA Certification.

The Compliance Myth

Many RFPs and procurement departments default to language like “vendor must comply with security standards” or “adhere to best practices.” While this sounds responsible, in practice, it means very little. Compliance without certification is often self-regulated. There’s no third-party audit, no proof of implementation, and no accountability.

This is where education is essential. We must clearly communicate that i-SIGMA’s NAID AAA Certification isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about proving it, through scheduled and surprise audits, employee background screening, rigorous protocols, and facility security requirements. It is a gold standard of trust, not a box to check.

Five Key Messages to Share with Prospects

To make our message resonate, we need to speak our clients’ language—risk, liability, brand protection, and cost avoidance. Here are five reasons you should be explaining why i-SIGMA’s NAID AAA Certification is non-negotiable:

1. Verified Oversight
   Only NAID AAA Certified providers are subject to routine, independent audits. This removes guesswork and ensures consistent, secure practices that are actively monitored.
2. Risk Reduction
   Non-certified vendors increase the chance of data mishandling, which can lead to devastating breaches. NAID AAA Certified companies have proven systems in place to minimize that risk.
3. Regulatory Compliance
   From HIPAA to GDPR, compliance isn’t optional. NAID AAA Certified providers are trained and validated to meet the legal standards that govern data destruction.
4. Cost Protection
   While uncertified vendors may offer cheaper services, the cost of a breach—fines, lawsuits, reputation damage—can far outweigh short-term savings. NAID AAA Certification is a wise investment in risk mitigation.
5. Reputation Management
   Your clients trust you to protect their data. A breach linked to a non-certified vendor can permanently tarnish their reputation—and yours. Certification gives them peace of mind.

Elevating the Value of NAID AAA Certification

Perhaps one of the most important reasons to educate others about NAID Certification is this: every conversation helps elevate its value. By helping companies understand what certification really means, we’re not just selling our services—we’re raising the standard for the entire industry.

When more organizations recognize and prioritize NAID AAA Certification, it strengthens its authority and credibility. It becomes the default expectation, not the exception. That momentum benefits every certified provider, reinforcing the value of the investment made in maintaining certification.

In other words, the more certified companies advocate for the certification, the more valuable it becomes—for i-SIGMA members, their clients, and for the future of secure information governance.

Embedding Certification into RFP Conversations

One of the most impactful steps in education is encouraging clients to include NAID AAA Certification as a requirement in their RFPs—not as a suggestion or guideline, but as a non-negotiable qualification. Language such as “Vendor must be NAID AAA Certified under i-SIGMA” provides clear direction and eliminates ambiguity.

We can also help procurement teams rewrite vague requirements and offer education sessions to explain what NAID AAA Certification entails. Whether it’s through webinars, one-on-one meetings, or even RFP response templates, this should be a part of the everyday sales process.

The Bottom Line: Certified or Not at All

Companies work hard to achieve NAID AAA Certification. It’s a badge of accountability, professionalism, and trust. But if the market isn’t educated on what that truly means, it allows uncertified providers to compete on an uneven playing field.

Be proactive. Be vocal. And make sure every vendor and prospect knows: There is no substitute for NAID AAA Certified shredding services. And in doing so, strengthen the standard we stand behind—making NAID AAA Certification the most recognized, respected, and required credential in the industry.