Why Trusting “The Local Scrap Guy” with Your Company’s Data Could Be Riskier Than You Think

By: Clint Parsons, Director of Strategic Partnerships, SEAM

When it’s time to get rid of old routers, computers, or network hardware, you may feel like you’ve found a simple solution: a guy down the road picks them up, hands you some cash, and hauls them away. But if that guy isn’t a certified IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) provider, he could be leaving your business open to significant data security risks, as recent reports have shown.

In a recent article, researchers revealed that improperly wiped devices—especially network equipment—often contain sensitive data, like network configurations, IP addresses, usernames, and passwords. Hackers are buying up these secondhand devices and using the leftover data to gain unauthorized access to corporate networks. This is exactly why certification matters when you’re choosing an ITAD provider.

Why Certified ITAD Is Essential for Protecting Your Business

Certified ITAD providers like SEAM don’t just “wipe” or “destroy” data—they follow strict, certified standards that ensure every trace of information is permanently erased or physically destroyed. Certifications such as R2, NAID, and e-Stewards mean we don’t just claim to securely destroy data; we meet rigorous data handling standards verified through regular audits. Certified ITAD provides:

• Proven data destruction: Certified providers guarantee that all sensitive data on your devices is gone for good, leaving no information that hackers can exploit.
• Documentation and audit trails: Certified ITAD providers issue auditable proof that your devices have been fully wiped or destroyed, which is essential for regulatory compliance and provides peace of mind.
• Higher standards and accountability: Certification requires ITAD providers to follow strict practices for data security, environmental impact, and transparency—standards a local scrapper may not meet.

The Risk of Using Non-Certified ITAD Providers

The report serves as a reminder of how risky it can be to cut corners on data disposal. Here’s what happens when you rely on a non-certified vendor:

• Data exposure: Non-certified vendors aren’t required to follow secure data destruction protocols, leaving the door open for hackers to retrieve sensitive information from “wiped” devices.
• No documentation: Without certification, you don’t receive formal documentation verifying secure disposal. A simple ‘Certificate of Destruction’ doesn’t mean much if the company isn’t actually certified. In the event of a data breach, your business could face compliance penalties and loss of trust.
• Lost remarketing potential: Certified ITAD providers like SEAM evaluate each device for resale potential. By securely wiping data and selling viable equipment, we can often generate value from your retired devices, which may offset or even exceed the cost of secure ITAD.

How SEAM Provides Security and Value

At SEAM, we maximize the value of your old devices through secure remarketing. We make sure any reusable devices are fully sanitized of data, so you’re protected, and the resale of these assets offsets any cost of disposal. Certified ITAD isn’t just about getting rid of devices; it’s about securing your data and protecting your business.

So, next time you consider handing off IT equipment to “the guy down the road,” think of what’s at stake. With certified ITAD, you’re getting the security, accountability, and peace of mind that your business’s data is truly safe.

In short: Don’t let your business’s security be compromised by a simple transaction. As the only certified provider in the Dakotas, SEAM ensures your data is securely destroyed, your devices are handled responsibly, and your business is protected.

Security doesn’t end when a device leaves your office—it ends with certified data destruction.

Clint Parsons is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at SEAM. He specializes in building partnerships with businesses of all sizes, helping clients navigate secure data destruction, responsible recycling, and maximizing the resale value of their IT equipment while staying compliant with evolving regulations.