How Recycling IT Equipment Could Lead to a Security Breach

As fast as technology advances these days, companies often find themselves struggling to keep up.  A solid strategy involves choosing the right hardware and software solutions that are going to last for years to come with appropriate integration and updates, and even seeking custom solutions.  However, you are going to reach a point where you really need to upgrade to new hardware in order to remain relevant, maintain efficiency, and serve your clientele.

When this happens, you’ll have to determine what to do with outdated equipment, including hard drives, laptops, mobile devices, and more.  You can certainly store them on-site indefinitely or try to destroy them yourself, but there are inherent risks to both.  What could happen if you fail to properly dispose of your IT equipment?  How could it lead to security breaches?  More importantly, what can you do to avoid these outcomes?

The Trouble with Storage

When you’re in the midst of a major equipment upgrade, you might think the easiest course of action is simply to set old equipment aside and deal with it later.  However, if you don’t make a plan for disposal, this task can get put off indefinitely as more important concerns take precedence.

You might not think there’s a problem here, especially if you have the outdated equipment secured under lock and key, but the data stored on these old devices makes for a pretty big target.  You may face both internal and external threats of theft, and this could lead to disaster (data breach, identity theft, and so on).  It’s never a good idea to leave confidential data exposed in this way when you have every opportunity to destroy it.

DIY Destruction Issues

Some companies think they can eliminate data and dispose of devices on their own, but there are a couple of potentially serious issues here.  First and foremost, you need professionals that are capable of completely erasing data – in other words, IT experts.  This is not a task you should entrust to your average employee.

In addition, you have to figure out how to properly dispose of remaining hardware.  You could sell it after wiping, but you’d better be very sure no trace of sensitive data remains to be found by new owners.  If you want to physically destroy hard drives and devices, you’ll need proper equipment to do so.  Then you have to responsibly recycled the shredded remains in keeping with applicable laws.

The point is, this is a lot of hassle for the average company to go through, especially when a much more appealing alternative exists.  By partnering with the right IT asset disposition (ITAD) specialist, you can safely, securely, and responsibly recycled IT equipment with minimal risk of security breach.

Choosing an ITAD Partner

The best partner for recycling IT equipment will be a certified ITAD service provider that offers locking bins for collection of hard drives and devices in your office, as well as secure transportation and facilities, proof of destruction (certificates of destruction and recycling), and proper electronics recycling (in keeping with applicable laws and standards required to maintain eStewards certifications).

When your Sioux Falls, SD business needs a reliable partner in IT equipment disposal and recycling, SEAM is at your service.  Call us today at 605-274-SEAM (7326) to learn more.