Secure Data Destruction (What Businesses Should Know)

Every day businesses create, store and use confidential and sensitive data. This data can include customer information, employee records, financial reports, trade secrets and more. When the time comes to get rid of this data, it’s important that it is done in a secure way. Data destruction is the process of securely erasing all data from a storage device so that it cannot be recovered. There are different ways to destroy data, each with its own benefits. Learn what data destruction is, the different types of data destruction, the difference between data destruction and data disposal, and how businesses can choose a data destruction company that meets their needs.

What is data destruction?

Data destruction is the process of permanently deleting all data from a storage device. This can be done using physical or logical methods. Physical data destruction means physically destroying the storage device so that it cannot be used again. This can be done by shredding orcrushing the device. Logical data destruction means using software to erase all data from the storage device. This can be done by overwriting all data on the device multiple times or using a secure deletion method that is compliant with DOD 5220.22-M.

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Factors to consider when securely destroying or disposing of data

When destroying or disposing data, businesses need to consider several factors. These include the type of data being destroyed, the sensitivity of the data, the amount of data, the storage devices being used and whether or not there are any regulations that need to be followed.

Type of data: The type of data will determine how sensitive it is and what regulations need to be followed.
Sensitivity of data: Data can be classified as confidential, sensitive or public. Confidential data is information that should not be shared with anyone outside of the organization. Sensitive data is information that should only be shared with people who have a need to know. Public data is information that can be freely shared.
Amount of data: The amount of data will determine how long it will take to destroy or dispose of the data.
Storage devices: The type of storage device will determine how it needs to be destroyed or disposed of. Storage devices include hard drives, computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, USB sticks and more.
Regulations: There may be regulations that need to be followed when destroying or disposing of data. These can include environmental regulations, data security regulations and industry-specific regulations.

Methods of securely destroying or disposing of data

There are several methods that can be used to securely destroy or dispose of data. These include physical destruction, logical destruction, and shredding.

Physical destruction: Physical destruction is the most secure method of data destruction. This is because it physically destroys the storage device so that it cannot be used again. It is also irreversible.
Logical destruction: Logical destruction is a secure method of data destruction. This is because it uses software to erase all data from the storage device. It is also irreversible.
Shredding: Shredding is a secure method of data destruction. This is because it physically destroys the storage device so that it cannot be used again. It is also irreversible.

How to determine which method is best for your business

The best method of data destruction for your business will depend on the type of data, the sensitivity of the data, the amount of data, the storage devices being used and whether or not there are any regulations that need to be followed.

If you have any questions about secure data destruction, please contact us. We would be happy to help you choose the best method of data destruction for your business.

Data destruction vs data disposal

Data destruction is different from data disposal. Data disposal is the process of getting rid of unwanted or unneeded data.. This can be done by deleting the data, formatting the storage device or selling the storage device. Data destruction is different from data disposal because it is a secure process that permanently deletes all data from a storage device. This protects businesses from data breaches, identity theft and other security threats.

A data destruction policy is important

It’s important for businesses to have a data destruction policy in place. This policy should outline how data is to be destroyed or disposed of. It should also include who is responsible for destroying or disposing of the data.

We recommend a policy that includes the following:

The type of data that needs to be destroyed or disposed of.
The sensitivity of the data.
The amount of data.
The storage devices being used.
The regulations that need to be followed.
The methods of securely destroying or disposing of data.
Who will oversee the data destruction process.
When the data destruction will take place.
How often the data destruction will take place.

A retention and destruction policy is a policy that outlines how long data will be stored and when it will be destroyed. This is important for businesses to have in place so that they can ensure their data is secure and compliant with regulations.

If you need help creating a data destruction policy, we can help. We have experience in helping businesses create secure data destruction policies.

Why Data Destruction Matters

Data destruction is important for businesses because it ensures that confidential and sensitive data is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. This protects businesses from data breaches, identity theft and other security threats. Data destruction also helps businesses to comply with data privacy laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Examples of data breaches, identity theft and security threats

Data breaches: A data breach is when confidential and sensitive data is accessed without authorization. This can happen when a storage device is lost or stolen, or when data is accessed through a security vulnerability.
Identity theft: Identity theft happens when someone uses another person’s personal information, such as their name, Social Security number or credit card number, without their permission.
Security threats: Security threats are any type of threat that could damage a business, such as malware, ransomware or phishing attacks.

How can businesses strengthen data security?

There are a few things businesses can do to strengthen data security:

Use secure methods of data destruction, such as shredding or logical destruction.
Have a secure data destruction policy in place.
Keep storage devices in a secure location.
Encrypt data.

How Data Destruction Works

Data destruction companies use specialized equipment to destroy data securely. They will first assess your requirements and then recommend the best method of data destruction for your needs. The data destruction process is carried out in a secure facility and all destroyed data is recycled in accordance with environmental regulations.

Benefits of secure data destruction

There are many benefits of secure data destruction, such as:

Permanently deleting all data from a storage device.
Protecting businesses from data breaches, identity theft and other security threats.
Helping businesses to comply with data privacy laws and regulations.
Recycling destroyed data in accordance with environmental regulations.
Peace of mind knowing that your data is secure.

How to choose a data destruction company

When choosing a data destruction company, businesses need to consider several factors. These include the type of services offered, the security measures in place, the experience of the company and the cost.

Type of services: The type of services offered by the data destruction company will determine what type of data destruction is possible.
Security measures: The security measures in place will determine how secure the data destruction process is.
Experience: The experience of the data destruction company will determine how well they can destroy or dispose of data.
Cost: The cost of the data destruction company will determine how affordable the service is.
Documentation: The documentation provided by the data destruction company will determine what is included in the service.
Service agreement: The service agreement between the business and the data destruction company will determine what is expected from each party.
Compliance: The compliance of the data destruction company will determine how well they meet regulations.
Certifications: The certifications of the data destruction company will determine how reputable they are.
Insurance: The insurance of the data destruction company will determine how well they are protected against liability.
Reputation: The reputation of the data destruction company will determine how trustworthy they are.

By considering these factors, businesses can choose a data destruction company that best meets their needs.

Our secure data destruction service

At EWASTE+, we offer a secure data destruction service that is compliant with all major security standards. We use shredding and logical destruction to destroy data securely. We also have a secure facility where the data destruction process takes place. EWASTE+ is a certified data destruction company that meets all industry standards. We have years of experience in secure data destruction and our team is always available to answer any questions you may have.

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