The latest hacking of a large company database, Zappos.com, offers a not-so-gentle reminder of the importance of data security and avoiding data breaches on active IT assets. It also provides an opportunity for CTOs, CIOs and IT departments to consider end-of-life IT asset disposition plans for hardware that stores large volumes of corporate and customer data in order to prevent any sort of security breach.
ITAD planning is an ongoing function in today’s business climate. It routinely ranks in the top 3-5 issues that “keep IT execs up at night.” It is a process that should begin the moment new hardware enters the workplace, and planning should include a forecast of the expected lifespan of the equipment and ongoing data management and security procedures, along with a strategic partnership with a company such as HOBI International Inc. that specializes in secure data erasure services.
It is important to consider outside resources rather than internal IT departments to manage data erasure because ITAD service providers concentrate solely on asset disposition and typically have the most effective data erasure procedures. Additionally, companies such as HOBI are up to date on all of the latest procedures, issues, laws and regulations. Outsourcing your data erasure and ITAD process is oftentimes a more cost-effective solution and eliminates costs to train internal employees on proper and legal ITAD procedures.
Outside vendors are also equipped to handle the complexities of erasure on Enterprise and mass storage devices, including exposure of data in devices such as printers, scanners, fax machines and cellular phones.
In the wake of the Zappos.com security breach, it is a good idea to ask if your data erasure service goes beyond compliance to exceed standards in providing complete customer privacy protection in all aspects and on all IT assets. If not, or if you don’t have an ITAD plan in place, it’s a good idea to subscribe now to the highest levels of insurance to give your company and customers the extra measure of assurance that sensitive data and data containing devices will remain in good hands throughout the lifecycle, including the asset disposition process.
Contact us today for more information about data security and erasure services.