Is your business technology a data risk

What is your business policy on disposing of old tech? When you replace old computers, external drives, memory sticks and mobiles do you delete data and then just… get rid of them?

You could be putting your sensitive data at risk.

Data recovery specialist regularly shows that millions of deleted files can be recovered from improperly wiped hard drives that are sold online.

It’s not just buyers who can access your old files. Cybercriminals often buy used hard drives and attempt to recover data from them. This could include anything from confidential business information to client details.

It’s easy to forget old data when excited about shiny new technology. However, it’s important to consider what’s on that old drive before selling it or disposing of it.

Even if the drive is encrypted, it’s still possible for data to be recovered. And if the drive is damaged, there’s a chance that some of the data is still salvageable. It’s better to be safe than sorry regarding sensitive information.

Think about it this way: Would you leave important documents lying around for anyone to see? Of course not! Your digital information deserves the same level of protection.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

Don’t let your old hard drives become a liability. Take the time to have them properly wiped or destroyed before disposal. If you’re upgrading hardware, consider hiring a professional to handle the data transfer and ensure that your old devices are wiped clean.

This isn’t just about protecting yourself. It’s about protecting your employees, clients, and anyone else whose personal information you may have stored on that old drive.

It’s a small investment to make for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is safe from prying eyes.

Don’t take chances with your data – take action to protect it:

• Properly wipe or destroy old hard drives
• Bring in a professional for your hardware upgrades
• Upgrade your overall security practices

Data destruction and recycling in Edinburgh and Lothians

If your business is located in Edinburgh or lothians a simplke way of getting rid of your old tech securely is by contacting this charity http://www.reusingit.org/. West lothian based they wipe all data as part of their process http://www.reusingit.org/who-we-help/data-destruction/.

Your old Tech can help

• Low income Scottish Families
• Help reduce povety by increasing educational opertunities & access to information in developing countries.
• Alow old tech to have 2nd life not just be recycled.
• Reduce waste ending up in landfill
• Help support a local charity and many more.

FAQ relating to business responsibilities

• Do I need to record that the hard drive was destroyed?
  Yes, This step is often overlooked but can be extremely important, especially in regulated businesses such as the medical industry. Ensuring that you log the disposal of computers or servers that are in environments that have sensitive data, like patient information, ensures that you can provide proof that the data was destroyed in case of a reported data breach.
  Further reading
  WEEE disposal guidance for business by SEPA
  Please read the WEEE Directive
  
• Can I just take my business tech to my local recycling centre?
  No, business waste should not be disposed of in civic centres. These are for residential waste only and not commercial. Business must record how there Electronic waste is disposed off.
  
• My business is Cyber Essentials certified is there anything I shoud be doing with my old tech?
  Yes, as a Cyber Essentials business you have to keep an audit of all your technology. It is important that you update this record to show that the technology is exiting the audit, how it was disposed off and if the machine was wipped.
  
• I want to give my staff our old tech rather than send it ot recycling. Is this possible?
  Yes, this is a great option for removing tech from the business. Either generate a form to record the transaction or generate a invoice (even if it is just a £0.01) record the serial number make and model.
  Securely wipe all the data on the hard drive before giving to staff.
  
• Is a format a secure wipe?
  No, a format is not a secure wipe. Data is potentially still recoverale after a format. A secure wipe involves writting randaom data repeatidly to every part of the hard drive.