Many organizations have robust systems in place when it comes to the destruction of documents; perhaps they lock shredding into secure bins; work only with certified vendors; or require shredding to performed on-site for maximum security and peace of mind. However, many small and large business don’t have a similar process in place for technology, like cell phones, hard drives, laptops, tablets, and personal computers, all of which can contain secure information that, if compromised, can be used to harm either the business or it’s stakeholders, like clients and employees. Having a safe and compliant policy outlining the destruction of old technology can protect your business, your employees, and your customers from being targeted or attacked by criminals. In this blog post, we’ll outline the most important components of an electronic data disposal policy and how to choose the right vendor for the job.
Tips for an Effective Electronic Data Disposal Policy
Your electronic data disposal policy should ensure that electronics are properly sanitized of confidential information and then properly and safely destroyed. An effective policy includes:
- Which electronics should be destroyed according to the guidelines in the policy (tablets, laptops, cell phones, personal computers, and electronic media, for example)
- The proper way to sanitize and destroy electronics, including required qualifications for vendors
- Recordkeeping requirements, which may include requesting certification of destruction from the company that destroyed the electronic device or media
- Consequences for failure to comply with the policy, i.e. the careless disposal of confidential information stored on electronic devices and electronic media
- The contact information for the organization’s compliance officer, privacy officer, or Chief Information Officer so suspicion violations and breaches can be reported promptly
The policy should be reviewed at least once a year to determine whether standards have changed and make necessary adjustments.
Choosing a Compliant Vendor
Your business can be held liable for identity theft – and the losses that result – if poor business practices led to the compromise of personal information. Some of the most infamous and expensive data breaches in history have affected companies like Equifax and JPMorgan Chase, resulting in catastrophic privacy violations for millions of their customers. To ensure the private, protected information of your customers and employees stays safe, it’s important to choose a trustworthy vendor who specializes in both document shredding and electronic device and media destruction. Before committing, ensure the vendor is able to provide a certification of destruction each time they destroy a hard drive for you; this can help you prove that you adequately safeguarded client information.
How To Dispose of Old Technology
Many organizations have robust systems in place when it comes to the destruction of documents; perhaps they lock shredding into secure bins; work only with certified vendors; or require shredding to performed on-site for maximum security and peace of mind. However, many small and large business don’t have a similar process in place for technology, like cell phones, hard drives, laptops, tablets, and personal computers, all of which can contain secure information that, if compromised, can be used to harm either the business or it’s stakeholders, like clients and employees. Having a safe and compliant policy outlining the destruction of old technology can protect your business, your employees, and your customers from being targeted or attacked by criminals. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to recycle old computers, outline the most important components of an electronic data disposal policy, and offer tips for choosing the right vendor for the job.
What to Do With Old Computers
Your electronic data disposal policy should ensure that electronics are properly sanitized of confidential information and then properly and safely destroyed. An effective policy includes:
- Which electronics should be destroyed according to the guidelines in the policy (tablets, laptops, cell phones, personal computers, and electronic media, for example)
- The proper way to sanitize and destroy electronics, including required qualifications for vendors
- Recordkeeping requirements, which may include requesting certification of destruction from the company that destroyed the electronic device or media
- Consequences for failure to comply with the policy, i.e. the careless disposal of confidential information stored on electronic devices and electronic media
- The contact information for the organization’s compliance officer, privacy officer, or Chief Information Officer so suspicion violations and breaches can be reported promptly
The policy should be reviewed at least once a year to determine whether standards have changed and make necessary adjustments.
Choosing a Compliant Vendor to Recycle Technology
Your business can be held liable for identity theft – and the losses that result – if poor business practices led to the compromise of personal information. Some of the most infamous and expensive data breaches in history have affected companies like Equifax and JPMorgan Chase, resulting in catastrophic privacy violations for millions of their customers. To ensure the private, protected information of your customers and employees stays safe, it’s important to choose a trustworthy vendor who specializes in both document shredding and electronic device and media destruction. Before committing, ensure the vendor is able to provide a certification of destruction each time they destroy a hard drive for you; this can help you prove that you adequately safeguarded client information.
Contact Royal Document Destruction
Wondering where to recycle old computers or what to do with old technology? Royal Document Destruction is your partner in safeguarding confidential information. With 25 years of experience in the industry, Royal Document Destruction is bonded, insured, and certified, offering services in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. Because we provide both document shredding and electronics disposal, we can handle all of your needs to eliminate the need for additional vendor management. To learn more about how we can help you achieve your objectives, request a free quote online today.
