The Importance of an Effective Data Destruction Policy

When a company disposes of old computers, mobile phones, hard drives, and other storage devices, it is imperative that they implement a data destruction policy. Simply deleting confidential data from the device is not effective. It is possible and – in some instances – relatively simple to recover deleted data. Data destruction policies lower the chance of a privacy breach. Companies can be held liable in the event of a data breach, which makes the time and money spent on a data destruction policy worth it.

Data destruction policies can be implemented by destroying or overwriting all devices and media no longer used by an organization. A company should ensure that each employee is educated on the company’s data destruction policy. When a company is creating their data destruction policy, they need to ensure that they are in compliance with all industry, state, and federal regulations. Sometimes regulations will specify how long a company must keep data, and how that data should be destroyed. In addition, some contracts with other companies may have specifications regarding data destruction. These terms should always be followed to prevent any legal issues.

Including Media Shredding in your Data Destruction Policy

Confidential media from a company cannot simply be thrown away, as this poses a huge security risk to both the company and anyone who conducts business with the company. Media must be shredded by a licensed, NAID certified data destruction company. Shredding machines completely destroy the media and leave nothing but shreds of material. This is the only way to be one hundred percent sure that all data is completely destroyed and inaccessible. Media shredding will ensure a company is following all legal and ethical obligations in regard to protecting privacy. Any digital data held on hard drives, flash drives, DVDs, and so on must be shredded.

Most companies have multiple backups for their data, as data can accidentally become lost. When disposing of data, backups must be shredded as well. This can be overlooked, but improperly discarding backup tapes is still considered unethical as it leaves client confidential information at risk. Companies must also remember that obsolete media devices, such as VHS tapes and floppy disks, must also be shredded. Although these devices are now rendered virtually useless, information can still be recovered.

The Role of Classified Equipment Destruction in your Data Destruction Policy

Classified equipment refers to any equipment that is considered sensitive due to the data stored on it. This can include hard drives, flash drives, computers, tablets, mobile devices, and backup tape drives. Eventually, all classified equipment will need to be replaced. Proper disposal of this equipment is necessary for any company looking to protect their own data, along with their clients’ data. Classified equipment destruction is a guaranteed way to dispose of equipment while protecting confidential information.

A company must make sure that they are in compliance with all regulations and laws regarding classified equipment destruction. If a company has any policies regarding classified equipment destruction, they must be followed. Ethical and legal obligations exist when it comes to disposing of classified equipment, so when equipment isn’t disposed of properly a company could face many legal issues. A company using the data destruction services of a licensed, NAID-certified data destruction company could very well be more cost-effective than their competitors in the long-run. Data destruction companies can ensure all legal and ethical obligations are followed, preventing future lawsuits.

To find out more about how Data Destruction Corporation can help you create and comply with your data destruction policy, contact us today.

References

How and Why to Create Data Destruction Policies