Digitization and other advancements in technology lead to a dramatic increase in the generation of digital data. People are shifting from physical data storage to digital platforms. With that, there is increased concern about data destruction. If the data contained in the e-devices are not erased properly, the data can be leaked and prove disastrous for any business.
What is data destruction?
Data destruction is also called as data disposal. It is the process of destroying the digital, electronic and physical data after which the document becomes inaccessible or completely unreadable. There are many data destruction types that can be followed to destroy all unnecessary information. To make it simple, it is divided into two categories:
Physical
- Shredding
- Crushing
- Degaussing
- Granulating
Non-physical
- Purging or binary wiping
- Degaussing tape-based media
- Secure erase and enhanced secure erase for hard disks
Importance Of Data Destruction
Even a small scale business can produce huge amounts of data which includes employee records, client documents, project files, etc. Eventually, these become obsolete or unwanted and need to be destroyed opines CJD E-Cycling, but destroying these records is not simple. However, it needs to be done for the following reasons no matter how complicated it is.
Data security
Hard disks may be broken or unused ones stacked in a server room, but it can still contain valuable information or files in them. The data present in them is not destroyed completely despite deleting the files. If these get into the wrong hands it can severely impact the reputation of your business. Hence it needs to be destroyed using any or all of the destruction types like degaussing which targets functionality. Here the disk drive functionality is destroyed, using data destruction software which overwrites the files repeatedly. This ensures that the data cannot be got back, or through hard drive destruction through shredding, grinding, pulverization, disintegration, etc.
Build your business reputation
Most of the businesses that have suffered a big data breach have had to wind-up their businesses permanently. It is thus essential to ensure that the client data is protected to not just avoid fines but also create trust among the clients. When there is data security, the clients have a great peace of mind knowing that it is in the right hands. By following the right data destruction processes with the right data security measures, businesses protect themselves and their clients’ interests.
Abide by legal requirements
Due to the data becoming more vulnerable for breach across all the digital platforms, laws have been mandated to fix it. The legislations are in place to ensure the security of financial, health and personal data. When data is not destroyed properly by a business, it can lead to HIPPA, FACTA, and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Acts. Hence it is essential to get it done by professional services who provide certificates for the same.
If data storage is important for a business so is proper data destruction. For the safety of your business and clients, it is essential to properly dispose of business data that are not needed.