Companies handling their own data destruction cannot be assured that their company data is secure. This is according to IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) specialists Xperien.
Using inexperienced staff to handle data destruction may seem like a sound policy but it’s not, there is always potential for human error. Cost savings is the most probable reason for internal data destruction, but this decision could be costly in the long run if their data be breached.
Xperien CEO Wale Arewa points to accountability as the biggest problem. "What recourse would one have if there is an internal failure? Like any professional service, when it comes to data management and destruction, it is advisable to use a vetted certified data disposition company that executes to standards with quality controls, processes and financial instruments that provides additional protection when destroying your data."
"More importantly, one must vet and verify the company you contract with for data destruction in the process and systems they use to destroy data. Are they certified? How often are they audited and by whom? Do they have quality controls in place to measure effectiveness of their data destruction program and process," he explains.
Many companies don't regard their data as private and see no reason to protect it. However, all data is important, even if it seems like there isn’t anything private or identifying about it. Company executives responsible for IT asset management need to understand the principles of IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) and they need to consider regulatory compliance and the protection of company information.
IT disposal has legislative requirements, compliance to Protection of Personal Information Act 2013 (PoPI 2013), the National Environmental Waste Management Act 2008 (NEMWA 2008) and the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA).
"You must be prepared for a breach of any size, large or small. This is why many private and public organisations trust IT asset and e-waste recycling to certified IT disposition firms that have data destruction expertise and understands these regulations and associated risks," he adds.
Many companies don’t believe they have the budget for certified data destruction or an IT asset disposition program. They are not aware of how to leverage their viable decommissioned assets to offset a customised program that protects them holistically.
Arewa says the right ITAD firm can provide a customised gap analysis and education to help corporations implement the right program to protect themselves, customers, employees against a data breach and the environment from toxic materials.
"Customers can offset the cost of a secure IT asset-disposition program by realising its potential savings. Retire your technology assets wisely by finding a third-party specialist with deep experience in secure IT asset disposition," he says.
“This trusted partner can help you find the metrics to convey a secure-asset disposition plan's ROI to budget-minded superiors. And once the job is under way, your partner will provide complete documentation of the disposal process. You'll rest assured that security regulations are being met,” he concludes.
For more information or to schedule an asset disposal or data destruction project contact Xperien on (011) 462-8806 or visit www.xperien.com
