Data Destruction Terminology You Should Know

In order to keep data safe, you not only need to protect it while it’s in use on your network, but also when you’re no longer using it, such as when you upgrade to new computer equipment or electronic devices. Your business has legal and ethical obligations where data security is concerned – you need to protect the private information consumers and employees entrust to you for their sake, but you also need to protect your business by complying with privacy laws.

When it comes to appropriate data destruction practices, it helps to first understand the language associated with the activity. Before you start looking for suitable data destruction partners in and around the North Dakota and South Dakota regions, here is some basic terminology every business owner should know to facilitate effective dialogue.

Asset
When you speak with data destruction professionals, they may refer to destruction of assets. What are they talking about? In the business world, data assets could be defined as pieces of data, but in the scope of data destruction, assets are any physical devices used to contain digital data, including:
– Computer hard drives
– USB drives
– CDs/DVDs
– Tapes
– Cell phones
– Tablets
– and more

ITAD
You probably already know that IT stands for information technology. ITAD is IT asset disposition, and it refers to the destruction of IT assets that are outdated, obsolete, or no longer needed. When you upgrade to new equipment, you have to destroy all data remaining on older devices, whether you choose to wipe them for refurbishment and resale or you physically shred them. With the assistance of a certified ITAD service provider, you have the best chance to complete asset disposition in keeping with all applicable privacy and recycling laws.

Wiping
Many businesses choose to shred outdated equipment to ensure total compliance with privacy and environmental (recycling) laws. However, you may be interested in the possibility of resale to recoup some cost. This requires thorough wiping of devices to eliminate all traces of data.

Deleting data is not enough. Clever cyber criminals have ways to recover hidden data that has been deleted. Data wiping relies on programs that perform a multi-step process, whereby all data is overwritten by a series of zeros and/or ones. This essentially “zeros out” data storage so that no trace of former data remains.

Remarketing
If you elect to wipe hard drives and devices rather than shredding them, it is usually with the ultimate goal of refurbishing them for resale. This is a process sometimes referred to as remarketing, and it includes wiping and repairing devices so that they can be sold for use by a new owner. Not all devices are suitable for remarketing as they may not be in demand. However, relatively new devices that still have use or value may be refurbished and sold to recoup some cost for your business.

When you’re ready to find a certified ITAD service provider for your Sioux Falls, SD business, contact the qualified and experienced professionals at SEAM at 605-274-7326 (SEAM) or online to request a quote, schedule a service, and learn more.