A Practical Guide to NIST (SP 800-88r1) for Handling Decommissioned IT Equipment

By: Clint Parsons, Director of Strategic Partnerships, SEAM

If your job involves managing retired computers, servers, or other IT equipment, you’ve probably come across the  National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST provides essential guidelines to help businesses securely remove data from these devices before they’re sold, recycled, or disposed of. One key document in this area is NIST Special Publication 800-88 Revision 1 (SP 800-88r1), which offers detailed instructions on how to handle data destruction effectively.

For those working in industries like finance, healthcare, or government contracting, understanding and following these guidelines is critical. It not only protects sensitive information but also ensures compliance with industry and federal regulations.

Why NIST (SP 800-88r1) Matters

Simply deleting files or performing a factory reset on your devices doesn’t guarantee data is completely gone. In some cases, information can still be recovered using specialized tools. This is where NIST SP 800-88r1 comes in—it outlines methods to ensure that data is properly sanitized and irretrievable.

For organizations in regulated industries, complying with NIST standards is often a requirement. However, businesses selling or donating old equipment also benefit from following these guidelines, as it gives you peace of mind knowing the data is securely removed before the equipment moves on to its next use.

Key Methods for Data Sanitization

NIST SP 800-88r1 describes three main methods for data sanitization, depending on the sensitivity of the data and the type of equipment:

• Clear: Overwriting the data with software to make it difficult to recover. This is often used when you plan to resell or donate your equipment.
• Purge: Using advanced techniques, such as degaussing (magnetic field) or special built-in security features in the device, to make the data inaccessible. This method is useful for higher-security needs.
• Destroy: Physically damaging the device so it can no longer be used. This is typically reserved for devices that stored highly sensitive information and are no longer needed.

The right approach depends on your goals—if your business plans to reuse or resell the equipment, “Clear” methods can help ensure data is wiped without damaging the device’s functionality. On the other hand, if you need to meet stricter security requirements, such as for government contracts, you might opt for “Purge” or “Destroy.”

What is IT Asset Disposal (ITAD)?

IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) refers to the process of safely managing retired IT equipment. This includes securely removing data from these devices to protect sensitive information before they are reused, resold, or recycled.

When retiring IT equipment, it’s critical to use the proper sanitization methods to ensure that no recoverable data remains. Whether your company is reselling, donating, or recycling old assets, securely wiping the data helps avoid data breaches and keeps you in compliance with relevant regulations.

Why Compliance with NIST Matters for Your Business

Adhering to NIST SP 800-88r1 isn’t just about data security—it can benefit your business in multiple ways:

• Data Protection: Ensures that sensitive information is thoroughly wiped before the equipment is reused, sold, or recycled, reducing the risk of data leaks.
• Regulatory Compliance: For industries such as banking, healthcare, or government contracting, compliance with NIST standards is often mandatory.
• Business Reputation: Whether you’re reselling or donating your equipment, following NIST guidelines can demonstrate a commitment to responsible data management and build trust with clients and partners.

SEAM: Your Certified Partner for NIST Compliance

If you’re handling retired IT equipment in the Dakotas, SEAM is the only certified provider that can ensure full compliance with NIST SP 800-88r1 and other regulatory standards. Whether you need to securely wipe devices for resale or fully destroy equipment that held sensitive information, SEAM follows best practices to meet your specific needs.

Our services help you protect data, comply with regulations, and ensure peace of mind, no matter what you plan to do with your retired IT assets. If you have questions about NIST compliance or need help with secure IT asset disposal, SEAM is here to provide the certified solutions you need. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

Clint Parsons is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at SEAM, specializing in building partnerships with businesses of all sizes. He ensures clients effectively navigate secure data destruction, responsible recycling, and maximize the resale value of their IT equipment while staying compliant with evolving regulations.