The proper physical destruction and recycling of electronic devices are essential in maintaining a healthy environment. Still, without the appropriate destruction of data on those devices, sensitive data could be left open to unauthorized use, exploitation, and theft.
Data destruction is an essential part of electronic recycling to secure or destroy any sensitive information on a device. Without destroying this data, users are left open to identity theft, bank theft, and possibly even worse.
Let’s look at the differences between data destruction and physical destruction, and learn what makes each process unique and valuable to proper data management.
Data Destruction vs. Physical Destruction
Data destruction is a form of data disposal or cleaning that completely erases sensitive data from a system’s hardware or software. When a device is completely destroyed, the data is essentially gone, although this may depend on the type of drive and recovery methods used. However, recycled, reused, and sold devices will need a deep internal cleaning to eradicate any sensitive data.
Small physical media that will not need to be reused, such as floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs, can be put through any office shredder, and you will destroy the data along with the item. According to the Privacy Technical Assistance Center, with the proper “use and management of data” an organization can “more efficiently and safely protect its data.”
Safely physically destroying an outdated device is, by far, the most secure way of disposing of encrypted data. However, some devices with sensitive data may be capable of recycling. The recycling process helps older devices recirculate, cutting down on cost and any environmental damage associated with the manufacturing process.
If the device can undergo certified security practices, we at Avail Recovery can securely wipe reusable devices of all encrypted data. Avail Recovery is wholly compliant with all local and federal laws, and proudly practices a zero-landfill waste management policy.
This means that even if a device fails to pass our data destruction process, we will physically destroy the device, reducing any negative impact on the environment. In some instances, we must physically destroy specific devices due to outdated or faulty software to dispose of your data securely.
We strive to provide the most secure offsite data destruction to help you have a worry-free experience when upgrading.
When deciding how to securely destroy your sensitive data, there are a few best practices for the industry:
- Clear – this method of sanitization resets the device to a factory setting. The sanitization process converts encrypted data to an unreadable code applied through read and write commands within the device.
- Purge – this “applies physical or logical techniques that that render the Target Data recovery infeasible” through the use of laboratory procedures.
- Destroy – this refers to the physical destruction of data that renders the device software or hardware incapable of maintaining any sensitive data.
(Source: PTAC)
Secure Your Data
If you have outdated equipment or encrypted data that has reached the end of its usable lifespan, consider taking the steps necessary to destroy or safely recycle the device and any associated materials. This not only helps safeguard your data and personal information, but is great for the environment as well.
At Avail Recovery, we provide destruction services that meet and exceed the highest standards of the industry. Keep your data and personal information secure, and contact us today for more information on data destruction processes and the services we offer.
