Whether upgrading your assets or disposing of outdated tech, ensuring your devices are thoroughly cleared of all data is essential. In fact, data decommissioning is the most critical process for organizations looking to securely dispose of their outdated IT assets. When it comes to selecting the right IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) partner to ensure your sensitive data remains protected, there are several key factors to consider. Learn how to choose the right ITAD company to protect your organization's reputation and sensitive information.
“Data sanitization is the most crucial part of any effective ITAD process. It’s the last line of defense that assures no company data is leaked or exposed outside of the organization,” says Robert Erwin, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of mender.
In 2020, Morgan Stanley made a costly mistake. They hired a moving company without data destruction experience to decommission computer equipment containing unencrypted customer data. The equipment was eventually auctioned off, exposing the sensitive data of millions of customers. This avoidable incident led to penalties of over $161 million, making it one of the most significant leaks in the ITAD industry. However, this could have been prevented if their vendor had been adequately vetted.
A reputable ITAD partner will provide a well-documented chain of custody that can be audited, and a certificate of data destruction for each asset processed. “If hard drives are located within a laptop, desktop, server, or device, you should receive reporting that shows which system it came from. This level of granularity is essential for maintaining a comprehensive audit trail,” said Erwin.
It's also important to note that data destruction methods are not one-size-fits-all. Your ITAD partner should assist in selecting a data sanitization method that meets your organization's specific needs. From physical destruction, such as data shredding or degaussing, to data wiping and sanitization, your provider should have the expertise to provide the service level requested.
Choosing the right ITAD partner, while critical, isn’t overly complex. We recommend vetting each potential partner for the following:
It’s also important to know what to watch out for in an ITAD company. Be wary of providers that exhibit the following warning signs:
At mender, we understand the critical importance of data security in the ITAD process. When you choose mender, you get:
By choosing mender as your ITAD partner, you can be sure that your sensitive data is not just protected, but actively safeguarded throughout the decommissioning process. Our team of experts is committed to maintaining the highest standards of data sanitization, providing you with peace of mind and brand protection. Don't leave your data security to chance. Choose mender and safeguard your organization's most valuable asset – its data.
Contact mender to work with a partner you can trust with your assets and data.
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