Your company wants you to eliminate a vast amount of digital records contained in over a hundred disks. But finding a data destruction service is a more difficult task.
While every prospect offers professional data destruction experience, you are looking for one who will stand out. So how do you determine which service is the right choice?
We have outlined some important guidelines on how to choose data destruction services. Read through these before you make an informed decision.
Why Data Destruction Is Necessary?
Data destruction is the process of erasing or obliterating confidential digital pieces of information for valid security reasons.
One is to avert intentional information extraction for one’s advantage or data mining for a wrong purpose. Or to prevent information breaches or unauthorized disclosure to the wrong people.
Personal information deserves privacy. And sometimes, erasing them is the best means to protect them.
What Are the Methods of Data Destruction?
There are many types of data destruction procedures with different results and advantages.
Degaussing
The degaussing method applies heavy magnetization to scramble and break the magnetic alignment of information inside digital storage or items. This causes an altered state of data fragments, rendering them unreadable and inaccessible. Information is thus deleted without having to destroy the storage.
The equipment can then be reused or recycled. An online site promotes recycling digital parts, and this website is accessible anytime.
Shredding
This procedure involves feeding the hard drives into a shredding machine that cuts and breaks them into pieces. All digital data is destroyed along with the crushed drives.
Shredding is considered the most effective but also expensive. Besides requiring a machine, shredding takes more time than the other wiping process.
Wiping
On the other hand, wiping is a software-based approach to information destruction. This method uses NIST-approved professional software to delete stored data and records.
How to Choose Data Destruction Services?
1. Check Out the Services and Technology They Offer
A contractor who could deliver all three data destruction methods can be your suitable choice. Yet, the one who can offer more is preferable.
Some offer extra features like a seven-pass wiping system. Others boast fast shredding with a certification proving 100% of data destruction. And some contractors can perform the data destruction onsite for an extra cost.
2. Find Out if They Have Proper Certifications
Proper data disposal includes e-waste management and recycling jobs. A contractor must have related certifications to prove their trustworthiness. Some examples are:
- National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) Certification
- e-Stewards
- ISO 9001
- e-Stewards
3. Know How Well They Handle Confidentiality and Data Security
The credibility of a data destruction contractor is a very big concern. You are disposing of a valuable digital asset and intellectual property. Therefore, assurance of confidentiality and data security should always be a priority.
Do some background checks on how they handled their previous transactions. Reaching out to their former clients or reading online reviews is highly recommended.
4. Evaluate Their Cost
Carefully analyze the total advantage that the contractor’s services would render you. Define their effectiveness in the speed of work, complete data security, and proof of total data destruction. Let every aspect match the worth of every dollar you pay.
Pick Your Right Data Destruction Service
You have some very precious data in your possession that needs careful handling. This information is about the life of your company and your clients.
After comparing the costs and methods, you can now choose data destruction services. You’ll need contractors who can provide you with service and security altogether.
If this article helps you, read more of our blogs on e-waste management.
