Since the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) earlier this year, there has been more pressure than ever for businesses to take steps to protect data at all stages of its life cycle, but there are also regulations and guidelines to protect the environment when it comes to the disposal of IT equipment. Whether your company is looking to destroy, resell or recycle your redundant IT equipment, investing in IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) is the safest way to ensure that your devices are disposed of responsibly, and your business data kept safe. In this blog, we’ll run through some of the dangers of improper ITAD and how investing in a reputable provider can be beneficial to your business.
The dangers of improper asset disposal
There are a number of dangers associated with the improper disposal of IT equipment, but environmental damage and data breaches are perhaps two of the most significant.
Environmental Damage
IT equipment contains a range of chemicals that can be damaging to the environment if disposed of incorrectly, contributing to global issues of pollution. However, there is also a problem with irresponsibly disposed of IT equipment ending up in landfill, when parts would be perfectly suitable for recycling. The WEEE Directive should prevent equipment from landfill, but many illegitimate ITAD providers often use these methods of disposal as a way of keeping prices down for their clients. What’s more, these devices are very rarely treated correctly before they’re put into landfill, which creates further issues in terms of data security.
Data breach
You may believe that you have completely removed sensitive data from your devices before you advertise them for resale, but in so many cases, this is not the reality. The process of completely removing your data from devices is sophisticated and, in many cases, can only be guaranteed by an accredited ITAD provider as they have access to specialist data erasure software, such as Blancco. This provider will also give you a certificate of destruction, which is important if you ever need to prove the chain of custody of your data.
Why Use An ITAD Provider?
Investing in an ITAD provider can be beneficial to your business for a number of reasons, including:
Business Protection
Not only will investing in an ITAD provider ensure the secure destruction of your business data, and therefore the safety of your business as a whole, it will also protect your businesses from falling victim to data breaches, which, under the GDPR, could have huge reputational and financial implications for your business.
Protect employees
Irresponsibly disposed IT equipment could put your employees’ privacy at risk, as a data breach could mean their personal and private information falls into the wrong hands.
Protect clients
Your ultimate business goal should be to ensure the protection of your client data, as it’s this that could get you into the deepest water in the event of a data breach.
With over 25 years industry experience, tier1 are proud to be the UK’s most accredited ITAD supplier. We possess the skills, accreditations and experience to handle our clients’ data with the care they deserve, and to dispose of it responsibility and legally.
Contact us today on 0161 777 1000 or visit https://www.tier1.com to find out how we can help you dispose of your data safely and reliably.
