Data Mismanagement Made Easy: How NOT to Manage Your Data Assets

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If there was ever a company that could pen this cautionary tale, it would have to go to Morgan Stanley.

In 2016, Morgan Stanley decommissioned not one, but two ITAD data centers using a moving company with no experience in secure data destruction service to carelessly dispose of old data, losing track of dozens of devices that compromised their customers’ data, costing them at least $163 million to date (and that number keeps climbing…) It’s mind-boggling that Morgan Stanley, one of the world’s largest investment banks, could make a move (literally!) without considering the data security of their customers.

This is a huge loss that could have been prevented if the right steps were taken. Here are some tips on what NOT to do with your IT assets:

  1. Don’t hire inexperienced movers to move your files or devices.
    Hire a NAID certified facility that can guarantee your sensitive data is destroyed securely. SecurShred is NAID certified and destroys, stores and shreds sensitive data for companies of all sizes. (and we’re A LOT less expensive than $163 million…)
  2. Don’t neglect your data.
    It’s important to regularly back up your data and keep track of any changes or updates.
  3. Don’t forget about security.
    Make sure your data is secure by implementing proper security measures.
  4. Don’t overlook maintenance.
    Just like any other asset, your IT assets need to be properly maintained in order to function properly and avoid any potential problems down the road.
  5. Don’t store your assets in an insecure location.
    Your data assets are one of your most important business assets. So it’s critical that you manage them securely. One way NOT to do that is to store them in an insecure location. Here are some tips for keeping your data assets safe:
  • Store them in a secure, physical location. This could be a locked cabinet or safe, or even a bank deposit box. Ask us about our Secure Vault solutions.
  • Make sure only authorized personnel have access to the location.
  • Keep backups of your data in a separate, secure location

BUT…

DO call SecurShred – we’re happy to put a plan together that’s easy for you and your staff to implement, store and access your sensitive documents with ease. When it comes time to upgrade your equipment? We can help you destroy your old devices securely. Give us a call and we’ll set up your plan for peace of mind 877-863-3003