GDPR requires all businesses to take responsibility for the personal data they collect, store and use, and this includes the secure destruction of old records. At a time when a large proportion of data was kept in paper-based systems, document shredding was a simple answer to this requirement, but as records are increasingly stored electronically, secure data destruction becomes more complex.
What Is Media Destruction?
Media destruction is the complete and permanent elimination of all data from electronic media, using electronic or physical means of destruction. Electronic media includes hard disk drives, USB storage devices, solid-state memory cards, portable disk drives, floppy disks and data storage tapes. There are four ways of destroying media electronically:-
Data Deletion
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Data Crypto Shredding
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Data Degaussing
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Anonymisation
What Is The Best Data Destruction Process?
This depends on whether the device that is storing the computer is still in use. If it is, then an electronic method may be the best option. This will mean that any installed programs will be left intact. A further security measure might be to exchange the old hard drive for a new one and destroy the old drive. In this instance, programs will need to be reinstalled, which can be a lengthy process. Exchanging the hard drive is common practice if the device is being given or sold to another user. However, if the device is at the end of its life it will need to be recycled in a manner that complies with the Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE 2013). For exchanged hard drives and end-of-life devices, hard drive shredding is the most secure and environmentally friendly data destruction process. Once the data storage components have been shredded into minute particles, the data is completely and permanently irretrievable and the material from the components can be recycled.How Does Data Destruction Work?
SECURETECH is a secure IT and media destruction service from Avena Group that combines WEEE waste recycling compliance with GDPR-compliant hard drive data destruction. To help you comply with WEEE waste regulations, we recycle a wide range of office items and equipment, including- portable hard drives, disks, DVDs and CDs
- PCs and laptops
- laser and inkjet printers
- servers and photocopiers
- network switches, hubs, routers and firewalls
- other miscellaneous IT equipment
- SECURALL Secure Document Recycling – a confidential and comprehensive paper shredding and recycling service specifically tailored to individual customer needs
- SECUREBRAND Secure Clothing Recycling – a tailored collection, destruction and recycling service for uniforms, workwear and textiles