How to Select the Right Data Disposal System for Your Business

There are many possible methods of destroying data. While you could perform these duties in-house, the truth is that you’ll have to purchase the right equipment, employ IT specialists who can help you comply with applicable privacy and environmental laws related to data and equipment destruction, and then waste man hours on tedious tasks.

In short, most businesses find it more convenient, cost-effective, and legally sound to partner with a third party offering IT asset disposition (ITAD) services. How can you go about finding a company that offers the data disposal system that’s right for your business? There are a few areas you’ll want to focus on.

Convenience
The first thing you should look for is a company that offers the highest level of convenience for your business. You don’t want to have to stockpile hard drives and devices, schlep them to an off-site location, and then chase down your service provider for proof of destruction.

The right service provider will offer locking bins for easy and secure in-office storage of hard drives and devices, then pick them up at your convenience, transport them to a secure location, offering chain-of-custody tracking and progress updates by serial number via a 24/7 customer portal, and then provide you with Certificates of Destruction and Recycling once the job is completed. You’ll gain untold convenience and peace of mind in the process.

Compliance
As a business owner, you have a legal and ethical obligation to protect consumer data in compliance with privacy laws and any industry regulations (HIPAA, FACTA, etc.) to which you are beholden. That said, laws change frequently, especially with the rapid advancement of technology, and many businesses find it difficult to keep up.

Th right data disposal partner will do this for you by staying apprised of applicable laws and industry-related standards and providing suitable services that help you to protect your customers and your business. In addition to providing security every step of the way, you’ll also want to look for appropriate destruction methods.

There are really only two acceptable forms of destruction if you want to comply with legal standards. You can either shred hard drives or use wiping technology to completely eradicate data by overwriting it with garbage information (all zeros, for example).

Why do you need a professional data destruction partner for this task? Your ITAD service provider will have access to industrial shredding equipment and guaranteed data wiping programs and processes that ensure compliance with all applicable laws. You’ll save time, money, and hassle allowing them to do the heavy lifting for you.

Cost
This is always a factor in business, and you might balk at the expense of hiring a suitable data destruction service. However, you can’t forget about the money you’ll save on equipment and labor, not to mention potential costs like theft prevention. Should data be stolen, leading to a breach and/or identity theft, you could be on the hook for penalties, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, and even civil lawsuits. That could get very pricy.

If you’re looking for a certified ITAD provider that delivers the data destruction services your Sioux Falls, SD business needs, contact the qualified experts at SEAM today at 605-274-7326 (SEAM) or online to get started.