Why IT Asset Disposition is Essential for Your Organization

You know the importance of protecting data in your network with firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, password protection, and more. It should come as no surprise, then, that you need to continue protecting this data until it is destroyed, even when the devices that contain it are no longer in use. Why is IT asset disposition (ITAD) so essential for your organization?

Minimize Waste
Disposing of old computers, hard drives, servers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other e-waste when you upgrade to new hardware can be problematic. If you don’t have IT staff on hand, you might not feel confident in wiping these devices on your own, and most companies don’t have the expensive, industrial equipment needed to properly shred hard drives and devices.

As a result, you might end up dumping them wholesale in a storage closet, and office, or an even larger space and locking the door, essentially sweeping the problem under the carpet. This is a problem for two reasons. First, these devices and the data they contain pose a very real threat for theft and data breach. In addition, they’re taking up space that could be put to more productive use, and that is likely costing you money (if you’re leasing office space). Destroying these devices as soon as possible will help to curb wasted space and money.

Mitigate Risks
As noted above, unused devices containing data could be stolen by internal or external parties and used for illicit purposes like data breach and identity theft. When you partner with a reliable ITAD service provider, you’ll be given locking bins to secure devices in-office, you’ll enjoy scheduled pick-up of the contents of bins, and you can track devices by serial number via a 24/7 client portal until they are destroyed, at which point you’ll receive a Certificate of Destruction and Recycling for your records.

Comply with Legal Requirements
Data security is important for a couple of reasons. For one thing, you want to make sure your competitors don’t get their hands on proprietary information that would allow them to gain a competitive edge. Even more important, however, is the legal and ethical obligation to protect confidential consumer data.

Naturally, you don’t want to compromise the sensitive data your customers entrust to you, from their names and addresses to social security numbers and credit card information, for example. This data could be used to steal their identities, which would be very bad for them and for your business.

Of course, you are also legally bound to protect this information, whether you’re using it, storing it, or destroying it. When it comes to data destruction, you have to comply with federal, state, and perhaps even local privacy laws, and you may have to meet even stricter standards related to your industry, like HIPAA for healthcare information or FACTA for financial information.

There are also environmental regulations you have to follow when it comes to disposal or recycling of e-waste. A misstep could result in penalties and legal issues like lawsuits, costing you money and destroying your reputation, so it is exceedingly important that you comply with all applicable laws associated with data destruction.

The good news is, the seasoned professionals at SEAM can help you on every score. If your Sioux Falls, SD business is seeking a certified ITAD service provider to partner with, contact SEAM today at 605-274-7326 (SEAM) or online to learn more.