Why Every Business Needs an Expert Data Destruction Partner

Published: 9/30/2021

Managing increasingly complex data security and regulatory compliance remain crucial factors influencing a business’s IT asset disposition (ITAD) strategy. Retired IT devices contain sensitive data. If data destruction isn’t perfectly managed, a data breach will have serious adverse effects on your business—from tarnishing your reputation to costing millions of dollars. Recent research revealed the average total cost of a data breach increased by nearly 10 percent to $4.24 million, the highest ever recorded.

Data breaches can happen at any time during the IT lifecycle. However, end-of-life devices are especially vulnerable to a data breach, especially if data isn’t adequately sanitized or done in compliance with The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines. Therefore, data destruction is best handled by a highly specialized ITAD company, with an unblemished history of destroying data without an incident of personal information exposure.

According to Identity Theft Resource Center findings, U.S. data breaches were up 38 percent in the second quarter of 2021, compared to the first quarter. The surge in phishing, ransomware, and supply chain attacks is driving the pace of data compromises. It’s the main reason 2021 could see a new record for total data breaches, data exposures and data leaks. This is why it’s critical to dispose of data most responsibly and safely.

What is secure data destruction?

Secure data destruction doesn’t just involve deleting files on a hard drive. While the operating system can’t find those files, those who employ data theft know how to restore deleted files. Absolute data destruction means that even the most experienced hacker can’t bring back secure data once it’s been destroyed. This process is especially essential for end-of-life devices. Moreover, you can’t consider data properly erased unless an ITAD company that offers data destruction services has followed the rules and guidelines for data erasure.

What are data destruction methods?

There are several data destruction methods. They consist of overwriting data and degaussing, which uses a high-powered magnet to interrupt the magnetic field of the storage media and destroy the data in the process. Additionally, there’s physical destruction such as drive shredding, magnetic tape shredding and mobile shredding.

The data deconstruction can occur mobile on-site (in a secure truck) or off-site (in a secure facility). Both locations require the capability of video recording, if needed, for visual verification. The remnants of the destroyed hard drives are disposed of in a locked, sealed bin and securely wrapped to protect assets from tampering while they’re being transported. Your data destruction partner should also use a secure and reliable freight service or pre-approved logistics vendor specializing in the transportation of IT assets.

There are additional precautions, to ensure secure transport to the processing facility:

• Sealed trucks
• GPS tracking of all vehicles
• Online monitoring of all vehicles
• Dual drivers (as required)
• Armored carrier (as needed)
• Follow-on vehicle to assure shipments travel securely and seals are not tampered with in transit.

How can you safeguard sensitive data?

You can safeguard sensitive data, such as hard drives and tape media, by working with an ITAD company that follows all NIST and Department of Defense guidelines. That means all data is completely erased to NIST 800-88 standards.

NIST certified methods of data deletion ensure:

• Data is overwritten with numbers and characters, such as 0’s and 1’s, so it can’t be seen or retrieved.
• Private information is completely deleted using a magnetic field. This scrambles information to the point where it can’t be recovered, no matter what methods are attempted. This also destroys the hard drive, making it a foolproof way of secure data destruction.
• During physical destruction, your hard disk drives get physically shredded, making data unrecoverable.

Why obtain a Certificate of Data Destruction?

A Certificate of Data Destruction states that your data was destroyed and hard drives cleaned with lawful, compliant methods.

Specifically, the Certificate of Data Destruction includes:

• Date and location where the data destruction took place
• Certified signature
• A statement that data has been destroyed by the asset disposition company, assuming all liability for destroyed data.

Your assets are given unique serial numbers, which you can use as an audit to match what, where and when secure data destruction occurred. You can retain this for your records, should you ever need it.

Is there any value to end-of-life devices after data destruction?

After the data is securely destroyed, these devices may be refurbished. They can be resold for a profit or donated to bridge the digital divide, by turning end-of-life IT devices into technology solutions for low-income users. There are advantages to both options, in addition to preventing e-waste and meeting social and environmental goals.

Why partner with an expert data destruction company?

It’s critical to your business, reputation and bottom line to work with an ITAD company that’s an expert in data destruction for end-of-life devices. On top of being knowledgeable of the latest regulations and laws, you’ll relax knowing that your data destruction was carried out in the most secure, compliant and professional manner. Finally, you have the opportunity to make an environmental and social impact, as well as receive a return on your investment.

PlanITROI helps clients recover the highest possible value for their IT assets by turning the expense of ITAD into a profit. Plus, achieve ESG and CSR goals. For the past 20 years, PlanITROI has never had an incident of a client’s confidential information being exposed. That’s after processing more than 60 million media devices and destroying massive amounts of data stored on them.

Do you want to learn more about expert data destruction and how it can generate revenue, while making an environmental and social impact? Contact us today to start the process.