The Importance of Data Security

We put locks on our office doors, take cash out of the till, install security pass access, shred confidential paperwork, but how do you safeguard data?

In a corporate world where increasing amounts of data is collected, stored and utilised, the expectation of customers and legal obligations are increasing.

Breaches of data security are more than just a legal issue, with the fallout from big global companies showing us fines and penalties are just the beginning – it has huge implications for reputation damage, bottom line blow outs and job losses.

Think Uber, British National Health Service, US Federal Government, Yahoo and more – millions of customers’ data violated, which brings a bigger, dark cloud over data security in general, leading to more scrutiny and hesitancy of all users and customers.

Data is becoming more plentiful and portable with smaller devices holding a lot more information, making it more vulnerable to loss, theft and attack. Data is also at risk of loss due to viruses, deletion or system failures.

Is it Really Gone?

One of the often-overlooked pressure points of data security is when it comes time to dispose of redundant IT equipment.

Even when you think you’ve cleared a device, computer forensics and hackers can recover confidential information, so unless you take the right steps to wipe it clean for good, information will always be retrievable.

Often, in-house solutions cannot always achieve permanent, guaranteed deletion, as it’s much more than just emptying the trash files!

There are an increasing number of free data erasing apps promising to permanently delete files and folders. But free is not always safe. When it’s an online application, there’s the potential foul could be at play.

These apps could be introducing spyware; offering passwords, web history, e-mails, personal details, credit card activity, or banking records, which can be captured to sell to third parties, or a Trojan; which appears legitimate, but then takes control of your device. It will trick you into downloading and running spyware on your computer.

Don’t trust your data security to free, faceless providers. When you need to remove data from a device, seek a real-life expert, backed by accountable, international standards.

Secure Computer Recycling and Disposal (SCRD) ensures best-practice, guaranteed, Blancco certified deletion and includes physical shredding on specialized equipment.

A Secure Approach

While we hear about the data breaches occurring in the bigger, global companies, it doesn’t mean smaller businesses are immune, in fact hackers often target smaller organisations as their protective systems are not usually as tough to penetrate.

It’s an essential investment, which should include data protection as well as continued updates, internal policies and staff education. The element of human error can play a big part in keeping your security tight.

When it comes to the cost benefit, consider what might be at stake how much you can gain from safeguarding your reputation and intellectual property.

How SCRD Can Help

SCRD is underpinned by S.A.V.E – Security, Accessibility, Value and Ease. We are dedicated to tackle the growing problem of eWaste, diverting more than 94% from landfill.

We are an IT partner helping organisations:

• Protect data with guaranteed, secure deletion
• Curb IT over spending with budget solutions
• Facilitate responsible disposal
• Resale with access to international markets
• Safe storage of equipment

Do the Right Thing – for your company, community and the planet.

If you’d like to find out more about our services, or book a free, no obligation consultation with our team, contact us today.