The amount of data in the world increases exponentially each year thanks to the evolution of technology. Digital storage is the primary method of storage, which means it is also a target for digital data theft. As technology and digital storage evolve, so do hackers, and it’s becoming increasingly critical to consider data security when developing a disposition plan for retired IT assets.
IT asset disposition is often an afterthought due to the energy and cost of transporting old equipment. Many companies store retired IT assets in warehouses until they’re forgotten about or sent to landfills. Some even leave old hardware on the curb in hopes that someone might take the problem off of their hands-free of charge, but what most are unaware of is the data that remains on devices even after retirement.
Nowadays, deleting an image or text doesn’t always mean it’s gone. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to get rid of anything that’s been digitally stored unless the device is properly sanitized. Resetting a device does not mean all data is erased, which means IT assets left in warehouse storage or on street curbs are vulnerable to data breaches.
A proper disposition plan should include data sanitization of all retired IT assets before they are disposed of to prevent any data leaks from occurring. ITAD enterprises such as HOBI collect old, retired, and unwanted IT assets and ensure they are disposed of properly via electronics recycling. Recycling e-waste prevents the pollution that usually occurs when electronics are sent to landfills or incinerators and provides an extra layer of security.
HOBI uses an internally developed data erasure tool, the HOBI Shield®, that completely disposes of stored data. HOBI Shield® ensures software and data on the device are not reused or recovered with no additional cost to clients. HOBI also offers a full overwrite or DOD-compliant wipe on data storage devices upon client request. Any devices that are not available for resale are destroyed through shredding technology for ultimate data security.
As an R2v3, RIOS, and ISO 14001 certified IT asset management and disposition enterprise with more than 30 years of industry experience, HOBI remains committed to preventing data leaks. We provide fully traceable data destruction with three stages of data security, including data erasure. Additionally, HOBI implements extra security measures, including cameras and padlocked cages, to give clients peace of mind when leaving their hardware in our hands.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.