In 2024, the industry saw many technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which resulted in more stringent data protection laws. The start of a new year is an excellent time to re-evaluate data security methods and develop new strategies for protecting data in 2025. One thing to consider is data security after asset retirement. ITAD enterprises like HOBI offer data security services, including data erasure for retired IT assets, ensuring that data is safe even after assets are no longer in use.
Advanced Technology Results in Advanced Hackers
As technology advances, so do hackers. In a rapidly evolving digital world, it is now more difficult than ever to decipher what is real and what is a scam. From suspicious emails to false UPS text messages, there are many ways hackers can acquire personal information if consumers are not careful. There are many types of Malware to consider when optimizing data security, some of which mimic text messages and emails from authentic establishments, prompting users to correct account information, confirm bank account numbers, etc. Depending on the type of attack, these links can contain malware and other viruses that significantly harm devices.
Types of Malware include:
- Ransomware – Disables victim’s access to data until a ransom is paid.
- Fileless Malware – Makes changes to files that are native to the OS.
- Spyware – Collects user activity data without their knowledge.
- Adware – Serves unwanted advertisements.
- Trojans – Disguises itself as desirable code.
- Worms – Spreads through a network by replicating itself.
- Rootkits – Gives hackers remote control of a victim’s device.
- Keyloggers – Monitors users’ keystrokes.
- Bots – Launches a broad flood of attacks.
- Mobile Malware – Infects mobile devices.
Proper Precautions Can Prevent Data Loss
Precautions such as firewalls and cybersecurity software help pinpoint and prevent data theft by monitoring the internet 24/7, scanning for new virus reports, and indexing any threats so they are added to the software’s database. Being proactive about data security will help protect data longer and build trust with partners and clients that their data is in capable hands.
According to Cybernews, the best antivirus software for the US are:
- TotalAV
- Norton
- Webroot
- Bitdefender
- Aura
- Malwarebytes
- Eset
- NordVPN
Data Security After Asset Retirement is Crucial
Data security doesn’t end at asset retirement. Data remains on a device until properly wiped, which means leaving IT assets anywhere with residual data still on the device puts enterprise and employee data at risk of data theft. ITAD providers offer data erasure services to ensure no data breaches occur even after disposition. HOBI’s internally developed data erasure tool, HOBI Shield, is just one of three data security steps we take to prevent data leaks. HOBI Shield completely wipes data from a device, and any hard drives that cannot be entirely erased are destroyed via shredding technology.