One of the biggest challenges businesses face when it comes to data security is that things always seem to change. Every time you introduce a new IT system or technology into your organization, you have to figure out how to use it and figure out how to protect any data associated with it. Seemingly simple things like opting for a hard drive destruction service or replacing an old device can seem daunting when something as important as data security happens.
This pile of old laptops is being disposed of, including safe hard drive destruction. Business leaders are starting to realize that the data destruction process they've been using for the past few years may not be as secure as they should be.
Unplugging outdated technology and passing it on to your hard drive destruction service isn't necessarily enough to fully protect your organization's sensitive data. This is why many companies have begun to incorporate IT asset disposal processes into their data destruction policies.
What is IT asset disposal?
IT Asset Disposal or ITAD is the process of decommissioning and disposing of electronic equipment and anything that stores data. This is a term often used in data-intensive industries, but any business can follow ITAD best practices. Basically, the idea is to take a very comprehensive approach to protecting your data when you get rid of any device, even before you hand them over to your hard drive destruction service. ITAD principles also require the safest and responsible disposal of decommissioned equipment.
Maybe you're thinking, "We've shredded our files and equipment and used our trusted hard drive destruction service - aren't we doing ITAD?"
Maybe you are! Alternatively, your data security processes may have weaknesses and an ITAD-driven approach to data destruction will bridge those gaps.
How does a business use ITAD?
How your organization puts ITAD into practice really depends on your industry and needs. There are actually ITAD companies that specialize in helping companies decommission and dispose of IT equipment. Such a service can be useful, for example, if a business wants to take out all the servers in its data center and doesn't have in-house IT specialists to delete all data from those servers.
Another situation where ITAD services can help is when a business enters into a contract with a customer that stipulates that the customer's data must not leave the business premises for any reason. Or if your business wants to charitably donate its old IT equipment to another organization, but needs to be absolutely sure its data is wiped first. In these cases, it may make sense to bring in an IT asset disposal company that can wipe down and decommission all equipment on-site before taking it away for disposal.
But most businesses can manage their own ITAD programs in-house and work with a trusted data destruction company for final disposal. The goal here is just to make sure you're making the best decisions every step of the way when dealing with outdated electronics.
ITAD Best Practices
If your organization already has stringent data security processes in place, you probably already have ITAD best practices in place. These three exercises are tests - you should do all three at the same time.
Don't forget to retire. Even if you have a reputable data destruction company managing the disposal of your business' obsolete electronic equipment, there is always a certain risk when you relinquish control of the company's equipment that still holds data. If your data destruction policy does not already require data to be deleted before the device leaves your premises, change it now.
Manage e-waste responsibly. A well-managed ITAD program ensures that all obsolete equipment in your business is responsibly disposed of after decommissioning. If your hard drives and other data storage devices are shredded or otherwise destroyed (rather than donated or sold), please confirm that any recoverable material has been recovered by your destruction service. Familiarize yourself with current e-waste laws and local e-waste sources in order to safely dispose of any techniques that require special handling.
Document everything. ITAD shall create written records. Keep records of any serial numbers or other identifying details about all the technology you want to get rid of. Track the chain of custody and physical location of each decommissioned item as it moves out of your business. Collect a certificate of destruction from your hard drive destruction service to keep in your records.
Help your business manage IT asset disposal in the safest, most cost-effective manner. we are More than just hard drive destruction services - we're a resource you can turn to for any questions you have about protecting your company's data. Contact me today!