Back to School Tech Refresh: A Secure and Smooth Transition

Levi Hentges , Vice President/Business Development, SEAM

Summer break offers a perfect window for schools to refresh their technology landscape. New devices arrive, promising to empower learning, while older equipment needs a secure farewell. This tech refresh process involves two crucial aspects: ensuring the security of new devices and responsibly managing the replaced ones.

Welcoming New Devices:

• Security First: Brand new devices might not have essential security software pre-installed. Partner with an IT security specialist to equip them with the latest antivirus and anti-malware software before deployment.
• Strong Passwords & Access Control: Schools safeguard sensitive student data. Implement strong password policies and consider offering password management tools for students and staff. Create user accounts with appropriate access levels to minimize risks.
• Data Security Awareness Training: Invest in data security awareness training for both students and teachers at the beginning of the school year. This empowers everyone to identify and avoid potential security risks.

Managing Replaced Equipment:

Data security doesn’t stop with new devices. Properly handling replaced equipment is essential:

• Data Wiping: Ensure all data on old devices is permanently erased using industry-standard data wiping techniques. This protects student privacy and ensures regulatory compliance.
• Recycling or Resale: Depending on the condition of your replaced devices, there are two options: responsible recycling that prioritizes environmental well-being or secure resale through certified vendors, potentially generating revenue for future technology investments.

SEAM: Your Partner in a Secure Tech Refresh

SEAM specializes in secure IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) solutions tailored to educational institutions in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Iowa. We can be your partner in a smooth and secure tech refresh by:

• Offering Certified Data Wiping: Our certified data wiping processes ensure all data on your old devices is permanently erased, protecting student privacy and adhering to regulatory compliance.
• Providing Recycling and Resale Options: SEAM can handle both responsible e-waste recycling and explore secure resale options through our established channels.

A Secure and Streamlined Process

By focusing on data security for new devices and partnering with SEAM in Sioux Falls for secure ITAD, schools can ensure a smooth and secure back-to-school tech refresh. This approach safeguards student data, promotes responsible IT asset management, and potentially frees up resources for further technology investments.

Ready to embark on a secure and streamlined tech refresh? Contact SEAM today to learn more about how we can support your school’s back-to-school transition.

Levi Hentges is the Vice President/Business Development at SEAM. He helps clients build and manage their IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) programs to comply with legal, corporate and environmental requirements surrounding their technology devices; including asset recovery and resale, data destruction and secure electronics recycling.