4 Steps Companies Can Take to Prepare for the Destruction of Old Data

Businesses today not only need a strategy for acquiring new devices but also a plan for properly destroying the data that exists on old ones, and not preparing for the process can have serious consequences for your business.

If you’re unsure how to prep your business to get rid of its old data, following these few simple steps can result in a smoother process that follows the law and keeps your business safe:

1. Create a Data Destruction Policy

Your data destruction policy will guide everything your company does concerning handling sensitive data, including device cataloging, assigning sensitivity levels, deciding how often to destroy data, and determining who will destroy that data. Your policy should also cover any special compliance needs for your industry and provide guidance on how you will recycle or remarket older hardware.

Ensuring your business has a concrete and compliant policy in place allows you to properly govern the destruction process and choose a reputable data destruction company to take care of your needs, which can ultimately save your business from potential harm in the form of fines, penalties, lawsuits, and reputational damage.

2. Back Up Anything You Need to Keep

Whether you choose to have your data wiped from your hard drive or physically destroyed through shredding, understand that data destruction is a permanent process. You will not be able to recover anything after the process is complete.

For that reason, back up anything you might need later. Since many data destruction companies abide by laws that demand their processes render the data unrecoverable, it would be a breach of their contract with you to maintain access to the data after they promised to destroy it.

3. Take Inventory of Your IT Assets

If your company collects and stores sensitive data, you should always keep track of your assets so you can ensure they don’t fall into the wrong hands. Taking inventory of your devices also helps you prepare for data destruction by accurately representing the type and number of devices you need to be wiped or destroyed.

That, in turn, also ensures an accurate quote from the data destruction company and that you don’t send any of the wrong devices out for shredding. What may seem like simple housekeeping practices can save your business time and money in the long run.

4. Look for a Certified Partner

Your data destruction practices have many legal implications for your business, especially in heavily regulated industries. Having a NAID-certified partner can bring business executives peace of mind, as they’ll know they’re working with a company that has had their secure data destruction practices verified by trained and accredited security professionals.

If you’re looking to wipe your hard drives and recycle them, R2 and eStewards certifications will ensure responsible reuse and recycling practices.

Your Business Can Depend on SEAM Services

Having a dependable data destruction company on your side can save you and your business a lot of time, money, and hassle. From Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Fargo, North Dakota, local businesses don’t have to look any further than SEAM Services to get exactly what they need.

We are the only certified provider in the Dakotas, so you can rest assured that our practices are both sustainable and compliant. We’ll also prepare your business for shredding by providing security bins and carts for secure storage before your appointment.

Contact us today to get an accurate quote for our secure services and experience the difference the right partner can make.