Why Data Destruction Matters

Whether you’re shredding documents or disposing of old and unused IT equipment, there’s a lot more to data destruction than simply throwing stuff in the trash.  You have to shred documents correctly to protect the confidential data they contain, and hard drives and other IT assets need to be shredded or at least properly wiped to ensure that no trace of data remains for industrious thieves to recover.

This may sound like a lot of work, and as a South Dakota business owner, you can’t help but consider the time and expense involved.  However, it’s crucial that you subscribe to appropriate data destruction methods, or you could end up paying a much heftier price.  Why is data destruction so important?

Comply with Privacy Laws

One of the most important reasons to destroy data properly is because it’s the law.  Consumer privacy laws are in place to ensure the protection of confidential data that could be used for the purposes of identity theft.  When your customers provide you with personal information (names, birthdates, SSNs, financial account numbers, etc.) in the course of business, it’s your duty to see that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Naturally, you want to protect your customers in order to earn their trust and continued patronage, so following the law is in your best interest.  You also want to avoid the penalties and other potential consequences associated with behaving negligently, which is why proper data destruction is so important.  Don’t forget, there are also environmental rules and regulations related to e-waste disposal.  When it comes to destruction and recycling of IT assets, you need to comply with all applicable laws.

Protect Company Interests

Aside from securing consumer data, you also need to protect your company’s proprietary data.  If you suffer a data breach, consumer identity theft is a concern, but you also can’t afford to have competitors gain access to information about your finances, products, planning, or other proprietary corporate data that could impact your ability to conduct business and remain profitable.

Minimize Risks and Costs of Data Breach

A data breach can be devastating to you and your customers, and the effects will be felt long after the initial incident occurs and you have to inform authorities and consumers.  Consequences of data theft could include government penalties, reparations, lawsuits, and of course, loss of patronage, revenue, and reputation.

You could even lose employees following such an incident (especially if confidential employee information is compromised).  Proper data destruction practices help to minimize such risks, so why wouldn’t you do all you can to behave in a responsible manner?

Opportunities to Remarket

IT assets are expensive, so it’s only natural that you might want to try to recoup some cost when you upgrade to newer devices.  Wiping is an acceptable form of data destruction when done right (i.e. multi-pass wiping, such as DoD Compliant Data Wipe), and it allows you the opportunity to remarket your devices and offset the inevitable cost of updating technology.

Data destruction is made easier when you partner with a certified ITAD service provider that ensures compliance with applicable laws on your behalf.  Contact the experts at SEAM today at 605-274-7326 (SEAM) or online to learn more and request a quote.