The 5 D's: 5 Steps to Secure Hardware Disposal

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Give a hacker access to the Internet (and your computer…) and the threat they pose increases dramatically. By accessing an old computer that still sits on your server can open up all the computers on your system to a vulnerability threat that could bring your company to its knees. Here are 5 key steps to secure hardware disposal.

1) Delete Access
Whether it’s a smartphone or desktop, deleting access is tantamount to smart first step for secure hardware disposal. Using programs like LastPass to keep tabs on logins, passwords, etc. company-wide, is a great security measure and also makes transferring to a new device much easier.

2) Destroy the Data
Bank accounts, social security records, payroll and private client information can all be put in jeopardy should it not be disposed of properly. Use a NAID-certified facility like SecurShred to store your data securely off-site or on disk if you have room for storage. SecurShred can also safely destroy devices holding sensitive data files.

3) Destroy the Device
Not only is it illegal to take electronic devices to the landfill, it puts you and your company at extreme risk of a data breach. Think you can wipe the files clean yourself? Think again. As long as a hard drive can spin, information can be extracted from them. Some sectors of a hard drive may not be successfully overwritten due to undetectable defects in them. The undetectable defects on the drive that were not wiped clean may actually enable retrieval in its next life.

4) Decommissioned Tracking
Keep track of the devices you have decommissioned by logging the serial number and date of deactivation for easier tracking and peace of mind.

5) Don’t Wait
Storing old computers and not taking care of them leaves your company in a vulnerable position. Never leave an old computer running unnecessarily on a network where it could be compromised by a hacker or malware and infect your entire infrastructure.

SecurShred offers many e-cycling events where they can safely dispose of your sensitive electronic devices. Take a look at how it’s done HERE: