Every business has data, lots of data. A single hard drive can contain hundreds, even thousands of confidential, proprietary, or sensitive data files, especially in sensitive industries such as a healthcare, legal services and financial services. So when a company finally decides to the get rid of the pile of dust-gathering computers of yesteryear, removing and securing data from the hard drive is priority number one.
Erasing Data is Not Enough
Getting rid of data is a good first step but many businesses believe it is sufficient to simply delete or overwrite computer files and then ship their old computers to a recycling center. Not so because this process isn’t sufficient enough to prevent data recovery. Sure the files were deleted but in actuality, the file still remains on the computer but in another format and less accessible but retrievable by persons with equipment and know-how.
Data shredding is the best process of ensuring that all data is destroyed and completely unretrievable. During the shredding process the hard drive is pulverized and this ensures data destruction. In USA Today writer Rob Pegoraro uncovers the importance not only smashing the hard drive but destruction of the magnetic platters inside the hard drive and making sure that every track on every platter is severed. This is total and complete data destruction, and the only way to prevent data from being lifted from devices after they leave your hands.
Amateur Device Destruction and Disposal Can Still Leave Your Data Vulnerable
Data-recovery technology continues to advance by leaps and bounds. Cutting corners on the handling of sensitive information contained on every computer or data storage device is a recipe for disaster.
Not to mention, data security has topped the news with recurring stories about data breaches.
“The public is rightfully angry that their personal information is being exposed on a daily basis, and to garner support, politicians are rallying for more robust security regulations and putting pressure on governance bodies such as the FTC,†reported ewastesecurity.com.
Using an R2 certified Electronic Recycling Facility and an NAID Certified facility for data disposal will prevent data from getting into the wrong hands which could result in legal fees, fines and disruption to your business.
Protecting Your Company’s Reputation
Nothing will snatch away customer confidence quicker than a data breach. Instead of being the company they love, within milliseconds customers lose all faith in the company because their precious private information has been exposed.
Customers will appreciate a company that takes seriously data security and engagement in a data destruction process to protect them. It’s value added for employees, vendors, partners and other data exchanging parties when appropriate security measures are taken.
Privacy Laws for Business Owners
The Federal Trade Commission has a ‘Disposal Rule’ whereby businesses are required to take the necessary steps to dispose of securely, any data that is no longer needed. FTC further stresses the importance of protecting against the “unauthorized access to or use of the information.â€
To be compliant with the “Disposal Rule’ proper disposal includes:
- burn, pulverize, or shred papers
- destroy or erase electronic files or media (typically using a DoD approved software and running a 3-Wipe process)
- due diligence and hiring of a document destruction contractor to dispose of material
Companies are responsible for protecting confidential information and it’s more cost efficient to hire professional services to ensure data destruction and data security. It can become costly and could affect profits, if a company is forced to pay legal fees, fines and other liability cost due to a data breach.
Free Up Office and/or Storage Space
Space is at a premium in almost every business. With the ever changing landscape of technology, the lifespan of digital equipment becomes shorter and shorter and within a few years items become obsolete. More so than any other, stockpiles of old computers linger about in storage rooms or tucked away in corners, closets or less visible spaces.
Managers and IT professionals promise to get around to disposing the stuff but there never seems to be enough time. Hiring a professional service will not only prove to be cost efficient but free up space for the next generation of out-of-date digital gadgets.
Certificate of Destruction provides assurance
Companies certified by the National Association of Information Destruction (NAID) adhere to the standards set for the information destruction industry. According to the NAID website, members are audited for mobile and/or plant-based operations in paper or printed media, micromedia, computer hard drive destruction, and/or computer hard drive sanitization.This certification is an indicator of commitment to stay up-to-date on privacy laws and compliance requirements.
Certified companies are allowed to provide customers with a certificate of destruction for services rendered for hardware data removal services and serves as proof of data destruction.
For any company that wants to avoid any accusation followed by legal investigation and the resulting fines for breaching private and sensitive data is advised to consider using the services of a certified data disposal partner. Data is ever expanding and here to stay; technological changes don’t seem to be slowing down and the implementation of strategic safeguards to protect data is necessary and the right thing to do.
Mayer Alloys Corporation is an R2 compliant provider in partnership with OmniSource Electronic Recycling, an R2 Certified Recycler. Mayer will provide you with peace of mind that you are disposing of your organization’s electronic waste safely and responsibly. All electronic waste is recycled in an R2 Certified facility. All hard drives are destroyed and Certificates of Destruction in compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) security standards are provided. For more information about electronic recycling check out our Ultimate Guide To Corporate Electronic Recycling.