What Type of Electronic Data Destruction Do You Need?

There’s no denying the importance of strict and thorough data destructions policies and procedures for businesses.  You must comply with federal, state, and local privacy laws designed to protect consumer data, as well as any applicable industry regulations that expand upon these protections, such as HIPAA and FACTA.

Of course, these laws are complex and detailed, and it can be difficult to keep up with laws that change in keeping with new data technologies, especially when you have so many other concerns related to managing your business affairs.  How can you decide which type of electronic data destruction is best for your company and how can you remain in compliance with laws that affect your business?  Here are a few things to consider.

Data Wiping

Total destruction of IT equipment is certainly one option to explore, and many companies find it in their best interests where consumer privacy is concerned.  However, you may also want to consider refurbishment and resale of computer equipment and other devices when you upgrade to newer models, as a way to recoup some cost and exercise your eco-friendly ideals through reuse rather than recycling.

In this case, you can partner with a reputable and certified ITAD service provider to securely and systematically wipe your hard drives and devices and refurbish computer equipment for resale.  These professionals have the expertise and resources to ensure that every trace of data is removed, and they test to ensure compliance with privacy laws so that you and your customers are protected against possible data theft.

Hard Drive Shredding

While refurbishment and resale can help you to get some money back from used IT equipment, many companies simply don’t want to risk any possibility, however remote, that confidential data might be retrieved.  A multi-wipe process performed by professionals virtually guarantees that all data is eradicated, but you still might not be comfortable reselling your old computers and devices.

In this case, secure and reliable shredding services are the way to go.  These services include locking bins for your office to keep hard drives and devices safe until shredding, scheduled pick-up for your convenience, and even on-site shredding with industrial equipment as you watch to ensure total destruction, or alternately, transport to a secure facility for shredding.  Access to a client portal 24/7 allows you to track the progress of devices so you know when they’ve been shredded and Certificates of Destruction and Recycling serve as proof of destruction for your records.

Certified Data Destruction

In order to ensure the highest level of security and attention to detail, in keeping with all applicable privacy laws and environmental regulations, it’s best to partner with a certified ITAD service provider and ask about other certifications.  These could include independent auditing of operations through the R2 Responsible Recycling Certification, and oversight for e-Stewards certification, just for example.

If you’re looking for reputable and reliable electronic data destruction services in and around Sioux Falls, SD, contact the ITAD certified professionals at SEAM today at 605-274-SEAM (7326) or online to learn more.