November 06, 2023
Protect sensitive data by shredding hard drives
Since January 2022, data protection supervisory authorities across Europe have issued a total of €1.64bn (£1.43bn) in fines¹. This serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from security gaps in highly regulated industries such as healthcare and finance – and unfortunately will be a situation that is familiar to many other sectors.
Data protection best practices shouldn't end when your organisation's media devices reach the end of its active lifespan. In fact, as businesses decommission legacy storage items, it becomes crucial to think about the sensitive data that these devices may still contain.
Securely erasing hard drives might seem like a simple option, but it comes with disadvantages. From a process point of view, it requires the expertise of a qualified engineer or IT professional, making it an expensive and time-consuming process.
Additionally, if hard drives are securely erased outside of your organisation's premises, the risk of theft or tampering becomes a very real concern. And most importantly, data may remain recoverable even if it seems as though you’ve deleted it from the hard drive. This is why it is recommended to hard drives to protect the sensitive data contained, with this being a compliance requirement under the ISO27001.
With efforts to reach net-zero, it’s never been more important to ensure the life-cycle of hard drives and media storage is carefully considered. Working with a professional shredding and recycling company to properly dispose of devices not only ensures data protection and compliance, but the right partner can guarantee all destruction is carried out sustainably.
Choose a trusted partner in hard drive shredding
When it comes to safeguarding sensitive data stored on hard drives, Shred-it is your reliable partner. We specialise in securely shredding hard drives, ensuring that data is destroyed beyond any possibility of recovery. But our commitment to data security doesn't stop there. When you choose Shred-it, you can count on:
● A secure chain of custody at every touchpoint – We understand that the security of your data is paramount. That's why we maintain a rigorous chain of custody throughout the entire hard drive shredding process. From the moment your items are handed over to us until the final shreds are produced, we ensure that every step is carefully documented and monitored. This level of oversight guarantees that your data remains confidential and protected at all times.
● A certificate of hard drive destruction – When we shred your hard drives, you'll receive a certificate of destruction as proof that the process was completed successfully and in compliance with industry standards. This certificate can be invaluable, especially in regulated sectors where accountability and data protection are paramount. It provides you with the documentation needed to demonstrate your commitment to data security, compliance – and sustainability.
● A sustainable recycling process for the shredded material – At Shred-it, we believe in responsible waste management. After shredding your hard drives, we don't just discard the remains. Instead, we follow an environmentally-friendly recycling process that ensures the shredded material is properly handled and disposed of. By choosing our services, you not only protect your data but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Don’t leave your business’s information security to chance
In today's data-driven world, managing sensitive data is becoming an increasingly difficult challenge. The consequences of data breaches can be devastating, both financially and in terms of reputation. This is why, when it comes to retiring old hard drives that may contain confidential data, securely erasing them is no longer sufficient.
Hard drive shredding, as provided by Shred-it, offers the most effective and secure method of data destruction. It ensures that your data remains inaccessible to unauthorised individuals and minimises the risk of data breaches. Additionally, a trusted partner can maintain a secure chain of custody, provide a certificate of destruction and implement sustainable recycling practices.
Don't leave your organisation's data security to chance. Choose Shred-it to protect your sensitive information with the highest level of confidence.
Download our factsheet for an overview of our secure media destruction and shredding services, and take the first step towards a safer, more secure data management strategy.
