With the recent implementation of the GDPR, the need to prevent a data breach is of the utmost importance, for reputational as well as financial reasons. It is not simply during the time that it is in use that IT equipment can open the potential for a data breach. In fact, it is because of the more relaxed attitude to IT equipment that is no longer in use that data breaches can occur. It is equally important that you approach end of life IT equipment with the same caution that you would your current devices that deal with sensitive data on a daily basis. For this reason, the way in which you approach ITAD is fundamental to the prevention of a data breach, and here is how it can help.
Effective Data Erasure
Unfortunately, the delete key does not fully-erase data from a device, but not all businesses are aware of this, putting them at risk of a data breach. A thorough process of overwriting is necessary to render data unrecoverable, and the only way you can ensure that the process has been carried out effectively is to use an accredited ITAD provider. An ITAD provider will ensure the effective and secure destruction of any data on devices before you go on to destroy or resell them.
Increasing Awareness of Devices
So many businesses store their outdated IT equipment with little idea as to where each device is exactly, how many devices there are, and what they were once used for. This increases the potential for a data breach in that a device might easily be misplaced, and would go unnoticed if it were stolen. Enlisting the help of an ITAD vendor will help to prevent a data breach by increasing your awareness of your outdated devices, as you will receive proof of destruction for each device. Not only this, you will also be able to track the whereabouts of the device in your chain of custody, which shows who is liable for a device at any stage of its life cycle. This helps to ensure that all devices, and the data on them, are accounted for, reducing the risk of a data breach.
Expert Advice
When it comes to ITAD, it simply isn’t a case of one-size fits all. Different devices will require different approaches to data destruction, and an ITAD vendor will be able to provide you with advice tailored to your needs in this area. Not only does this mean you don’t spend money on destruction where you don’t need to, it also means you can focus your attention on the devices and data that you may have overlooked, but actually require specific attention, thus helping you to avoid a data breach.
While ITAD may seem like an unnecessary expense, the financial and reputational implications of a breach more than outweigh the cost of ensuring that your business data is adequately protected and accounted for.
With over 25 years industry experience, tier1 are proud to be the UK’s most accredited ITAD supplier. We possess the skills, accreditations and experience to handle our clients’ data with the care they deserve, and to dispose of it responsibility and legally.
Contact us today on 0161 777 1000 or visit https://www.tier1.com to find out how we can help you dispose of your data safely and reliably.
