FTC Mandate-You’re Responsible for your Company’s Consumer Information- Hard Drive Destruction

And there’s more at stake than you think. Are you doing all you can to protect them and yourself? 

Back in 2005, the Federal Trade Commission released new regulations on the “reasonable steps” of proper disposal and destruction methods for what they referred to as “Consumer Information.” The goal of these new regulations, referred to as the “Disposal Rule,” was to protect individuals from identity theft. 

The FTC went on to define this “Consumer Information” as “(a) consumer reports and (b) information derived from consumer reports, provided that the information is individually identifiable” (Philip Gordon and Cathy Beyda). Employment examples included background check reports and notes prepared by supervisors or HR team members that included or were based upon the information contained within that background check report. 

The reasonable steps, however, were more loosely defined. While no specific requirements were outlined, the FTC gave examples of storing paperwork in locked bins until they could be burned or shredded, while electronic media should be magnetically swiped or otherwise rendering the information on them unreadable prior to their disposal. 

Despite the loose definition of the reasonable steps that the FTC requires, it’s in every company’s best interest to go above and beyond to protect not only their individual clients or consumers but also their own industry reputation. If you’re not already working with a certified team of experts to help you with your paper and electronic media disposal, you could be at an even greater risk. 

At Critical Risk Solution, we exceed NSA-compliance standards for media disposal by crushing them into >2mm x 2mm pieces. Why? Because we want to help completely remove the risk associated with information disposal for businesses and the consumers or clients who entrust them with their personal information.

To learn more about our disposal methods and how we can help you protect your reputation and your client’s personal information, contact us to schedule your introductory consultation. Our team of experts is standing by, eager to ensure you never fear a data breach due to information disposal again.