Data security has never been more important than it is today.
Cyber threats are growing, and data breaches are happening more frequently. Deleting files from your computer hard drive isn’t enough, though. Your confidential information will still be there long after you’ve hit the delete key. If that information lands in the wrong hands, you could find yourself in a very bad situation. That’s why hard drive shredding is the only way to keep your data from ever being used against you.
Why Deleting Files Isn’t Secure
When you delete a file, it isn’t gone. Your operating system only removes the file system pointers, hiding the file from view. The file still exists on the disk; your computer simply marks the space the file takes up and reads it as “ready for reuse.” As more files are added, they are simply forgotten. But as long as the information is there, it’s at risk.
The Risks of Improper Data Disposal
Throwing out your old computer with its hard drive can have serious consequences. Identity thieves know the easiest way to steal information is by targeting those who throw away their electronics. Using recovery software, even the most amateur data thieves can recover financial records, personal correspondence, and other critical company data. Even small businesses and individuals can fall victim to identity theft. A single file can expose login information, online banking details, or personal and private client records. The only true way to make sure your data is gone for good is to physically destroy the drive beyond repair. And the only way to do that is to have it properly shredded.
How Hard Drive Shredding Works
Hard drive shredding includes industrial-grade, purpose-built shredders that are designed to reduce a hard drive to minute particles. Further, and unlike degaussers, the process is irreversible. Once a hard drive is shredded, no one can recover the data. Not with recovery software or the best tools the experts use. Because the data simply isn’t there. Third-party data destruction services can retain shredded hard drives and other e-waste materials. As part of their standard document, they’ll send you proof your hard drives were properly destroyed.
Who Needs Hard Drive Shredding?
Companies, governments, healthcare organizations, banks, and consumers deal with highly sensitive information and store it on computers every day. But you do too, as a consumer. When you replace or dispose of an old computer, you may unknowingly leave behind financial records, tax documents, or personal correspondence. Your laptop, external hard drive, and even USB sticks are all at risk. Hard drive shredding ensures complete destruction using powerful shredders especially made for hard drives that’ll help make sure your information is never used against you.
Compliance and Environmental Responsibility
There are also laws and regulations to worry about regarding the destruction of data. Laws such as the GDPR, HIPAA, FACTA and are meant to protect sensitive data. However many companies fall short in the data destruction of physical materials, despite their out use of paper shredding services. This careless disposal of company laptops and printers is easily up to compliance standards. Not only do shredding companies follow rigorous security protocols, but also recycle the shredded material and keep it out of landfills that are environmentally friendly and safe for the data.
Choosing a Reliable Hard Drive Shredding Service
Not all shredding services are the same. To avoid the risk and liability associated with privacy breaches, at a minimum, your selected vendor must offer hard drive crushing or hard drive shredding and be a certified facility. Breaching the privacy of corporate, customer, or patent information can prove to be costly, tarnish a brand, and may also have legal implications. Providers like https://circularitgroup.com/en/ are experts in secure data destruction, ensuring that your sensitive information is never compromised.
Why Secure Data Disposal Matters Beyond Deletion
Data breaches happen often, but they are preventable. With proper information technology asset disposition (ITAD) best practices in place, shredding your electronic devices can protect your data from falling into the wrong hands. When data is no longer needed, or a device can no longer be used, it can be risky to let it sit or go unprotected.
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