Common Signs You Need Help with ITAD

IT asset disposition, or ITAD, has to do with how you get rid of damaged, outdated, or decommissioned IT equipment and devices.  If your current strategy includes little more than moving old inventory into a closet for indefinite storage to deal with at some vague later date, you really need to rethink how you approach IT end-of-life cycle planning.

The problem is that these unused devices are anything but innocuous.  Because of the confidential data they hold, they can pose a serious risk for your company and your customers, whether they can be accessed through a network or they’re not well-protected against sticky-fingered employees.

If you want to keep your data secure, you’re going to need some help with your ITAD strategy.  Here are just a few common signs your South Dakota business is vulnerable.

You’re Unaware of Legal Obligations

As a business, you are beholden to a wide range of laws that govern your practices.  Among them are rules and regulations pertaining to environmental and consumer privacy aspects of e-waste destruction and recycling.

In addition to federal, state, and local environmental and consumer privacy laws you may be required to observe, many businesses also have to comply with industry-related rules, like HIPAA, which protects sensitive health information, FACTA, which affects any companies that accept credit cards, GLBA, specifically targeting financial institutions, and more.

That’s a lot to be aware of, especially when laws are frequently amended or added to account for new technologies and threats.  The easy solution is to work with a certified ITAD service provider that can stay abreast of laws and ensure that you remain in compliance.

No ITAD Strategy in Place

Negligence will not serve you well when it comes to ITAD, and it certainly won’t help you to avoid the consequences of a data breach or consumer identity theft.  Just as you plan for IT asset purchase and life cycle management, you need to have clear policies in place that tell employees what to do with old equipment and devices, and set a timeline for destruction.

No Ownership of ITAD Process

The buck has to stop somewhere, and when it comes to ITAD planning, someone must be in charge.  Whether you assign this task to IT personnel or a facilities manager, just for example, someone has to collect, inventory, and track devices, keep them under lock and key, and manage the process of handing them over to a certified ITAD partner for destruction and recycling.

No ROI

When you create your ITAD policies, you might think simply destroying and recycling equipment and devices is enough.  However, you should also consider incorporating ROI options into your ITAD strategy.

While securely shredding and recycling devices is the best way to eliminate any potential for data theft, many companies also have the option to thoroughly wipe, refurbish, and remarket devices that still have value as a way to see some return on investment.  Simply look for a trusted ITAD provider that offers both options.

Whether your South Dakota business needs help creating an ITAD strategy or choosing between recycling and recovery, contact the qualified professionals at SEAM today at 605-274-7326 (SEAM) or online to request a quote.