The Critical Importance of Professional Electronic Media Destruction and Disposal
When digital media isn’t securely disposed of, it can potentially fall into the wrong hands providing coveted access to data and personal information stored within the device. Whether you’re an organization or an individual, when it comes to things you don’t need anymore like a broken cellphone or an outdated laptop, it’s important to dispose of it correctly and to remove all your sensitive information and data from the device prior to disposing, recycling, or donating.
Let’s discuss how you can have peace of mind when it comes to the secure disposal of your electronic media. We’ll also cover disposal methods and provide some helpful tips.
What is Electronic Media?
Electronic media is any data that exists in a digital format, such as files stored on computers, USB flash drives, external hard drives, CDs and DVDs, cellphones, tablets or other electronic devices. The purpose of sanitizing and destroying digital media is to eliminate unauthorized access to the information stored within.
The Value of Data
The influence and power of data are undeniable. Data is the new currency that shows no sign of losing value. Because digital data is such a highly valuable asset, it’s also commonly targeted. Security breaches and data leaks have become all too common as the demand and pursuit of data continues to grow. Whether you’re disposing of an old computer or tablet, or a cellphone with all your contacts and photos, the information stored within it can be valuable to others.
Methods of Sanitization & Destruction
There are a variety of methods used for securely disposing of digital media, from physical destruction to erasure or degaussing. Physical destruction is the process of physically destroying digital media in order to render it unusable. This can include crushing, shredding, or incineration. Erasure is a data sanitization method used for erasing information from electronic storage devices without destroying the device itself. This involves overwriting with random patterns of data and can be done securely using specialized software tools. Degaussing is a method of erasing data stored on hard drives by using a magnetic field to remove the data-bearing particles from the drive.
Deleting Data
Removing data by deleting files from a device is one method for sanitization. However, it’s important to remember that simply deleting a file and emptying the trash bin doesn’t permanently remove the data and files from the device.
Even after a delete or format command has been executed, they can still be retrieved and remain stored on the media. In order to securely delete data and remove sensitive information, there are several steps that need to be taken to complete the process of sanitizing the digital media before it’s disposed of, recycled, or donated.
Computers
Require multiple steps to achieve sanitization: use disk cleaning software. It’s designed to irreversibly remove the digital data stored on the hard drive, which prevents the possibility of recovery.
Secure erase: A set of commands in the firmware of most hard drives. Select the program and run the erase command set, which will remove the data by overwriting all areas of the hard drive.
Disk wiping: A utility that erases sensitive information on hard drives and securely sanitizes flash drives and wipes secure digital cards.
Smartphones and Tablets
Remove all data from your device by doing a factory reset. Devices have different “hard reset” procedures but most can be completed through the settings. If applicable, remove any memory cards and the subscriber identity model card, if your device has one.
When Do You Need to Dispose of Electronic Media?
When you no longer need a device or media, it’s important to securely dispose of it. This could be due to the end of life of a product, hardware failure, upgrade or simply an unwanted device that you don’t need anymore.
It is also essential to destroy any physical storage device such as USB flash drives, CDs and DVDs. These devices can easily be misplaced or stolen, leaving your data vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Remember These Tips
Ensure your company has a clearly defined media disposal strategy including policies outlining the various processes utilized for the secure disposal of digital media and data.
Educate employees to ensure they understand the company’s policies for secure media disposal and records retention guidelines.
If confidential or sensitive information is contained in the media, utilize the appropriate disposal method and destruction level needed for security.
Keep updated logs to ensure proper documentation and compliance of policies. Obtain destruction certificates for media disposal.
If your organization needs to outsource digital media disposal and destruction services, ensure you verify the company’s credentials, equipment, and obtain certificates for destruction.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, secure disposal and destruction of digital media are essential to protecting your information from unauthorized access. Employing an effective data security strategy can help you rest easy knowing that your sensitive data is protected, even after disposing of or recycling electronic devices. It’s important to always remain vigilant and proactive when it comes to protecting your digital data from potential threats. Make sure you’re aware of the risks and take the necessary security measures in order to keep confidential information safe and secure. With the right precautions in place, you’ll be able to protect yourself and/or your business from any potential data breaches or security threats.
