Storing sensitive data is always a risk. In Q2 of 2023 alone, 855 accounts were breached every minute, with a total cost of $2.1 trillion for cybercrime-related losses in the same quarter.
Companies must remain vigilant in their efforts to guard against data loss, and ITAD (information technology asset disposal) is a crucial component of any organization’s cybersecurity risk mitigation plan.
What is ITAD?
ITAD is the process of safely and securely disposing of electronic assets, from servers to hard drives and other devices. The goal is to ensure that no confidential information or sensitive data remains on the device after its retirement.
The process begins by sorting out which IT assets are ready to be retired. This includes obsolete hardware and software and any devices that have been physically damaged beyond repair.
The hardware and software are then inspected to ensure there is no sensitive data still present on the device.
Any remaining data will be securely erased using specialized tools, such as wipe drives and degaussing machines that use electromagnetic solid fields to completely erase a hard drive’s magnetic coating.
Sometimes, devices or drives cannot undergo cleaning due to damage. This damage may result from water exposure, fire, power input issues, and more. In such instances, we extract these drives and securely shred them. Our commitment to transparency ensures that we maintain documented proof of drive cleansing, shredding, or both, as needed.
Finally, once all of these steps have been completed, the assets will be recycled and/or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
How Does ITAD Contribute to Risk Management?
There are two primary aspects where effective ITAD is critical to risk management: data security and compliance.
Enhanced Data Security
By choosing proper ITAD over the traditional disposal process, companies are able to ensure that all sensitive data is wiped from devices before they are retired. This eliminates the possibility of a data breach and further reduces the company’s cyber-risk profile.
Improved Compliance
In order to remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations, organizations must adhere to strict guidelines for how they dispose of their IT assets. For example, the European Union’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) requires companies to securely erase any personal data stored on devices before they are retired or recycled.
There is also the matter of correctly disposing of environmentally hazardous items. ITAD solutions can help organizations meet both of these criteria by providing secure and compliant methods for disposing of hardware and software.
Why Choosing Lifespan is the Best Option
Lifespan is a market-leading ITAD provider specializing in secure asset disposal and recycling. With over 20 years of experience, we are committed to helping companies protect their brands and remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
Our comprehensive services include data erasure, asset tracking, physical destruction, end-of-life recycling, and secure transportation. We also offer a remarketing service for IT assets that can be recycled and resold, helping organizations to recoup some of the cost associated with retirement.
At Lifespan, we understand how important it is for companies to safeguard their data and remain compliant with industry regulations.
Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive asset disposal strategy tailored to your unique needs. Our 100% guarantee ensures that your data is securely wiped and all IT assets are appropriately disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.
To learn more about how Lifespan can help you protect your brand and mitigate risks associated with data loss, get in touch today. We look forward to hearing from you!
