Most organisations take data security seriously and spend exorbitant amounts of money on IT security, including firewalls, network monitoring, encryption and end-point protection. However, although they spend millions guarding against hackers, they often overlook one crucial element of data security - the theft of the physical hard drives.
So says Wale Arewa, CEO of IT asset disposal (ITAD) company, Xperien, who notes securing sensitive data is a daunting task for any business. Data security laws mandate that organisations implement adequate safeguards to ensure privacy protection of clients' information, and the penalties for data breaches are tough, he explains.
Due to the crucial nature of data sanitisation, Xperien is running an awareness campaign by giving away free digital sanitisation software called destroyData. Developed locally by Xperien, the software is based on secure erase and performs advance digital data elimination processes. According to the company, the software consists of a disposal tool which works by writing a binary zero through the platter to ensure that any critical or sensitive data is permanently removed from a PC before it is disposed.
"This destruction process allows the hard disk drive to be reused and it is easier and more efficient than using manual processes, saving organisations an exorbitant amount of money compared to other disposal tools. The problem with IT asset disposal projects is the chain-of-custody of equipment, companies are constantly replacing outdated IT equipment, this creates a challenge as large amounts of excess electronics must be managed and disposed of properly," explains Arewa.
Removing data securely, he points out, is of utmost importance. There are three levels of disposal that organisations can opt for. These are physical shredding, sanitation and degaussing.
"Physical shredding cuts the metal platters into tiny little pieces. This method offers maximum security as the metal platters cannot be put together again. The sanitisation method consists of digitally erasing the software from hard drives. Degaussing is a quick method of sanitising the data and it also destroys the hard drive, offering maximum security," he asserts.
Arewa advises company executives to refrain from traditional hardware disposal methods like staff sales, donations and auctioning of office IT equipment.
"Preventing employees from taking retired computers and by acknowledging the risks and inherent conflicts of interest surrounding retired assets will result in more effective ITAD policies and adequate safeguards. Understanding an applying established incident-response procedures to the process of ITAD, will also help organisations raise awareness of unappreciated vulnerabilities of information," concludes Arewa.
To download free erasure software destroyData visit http://xperien.com/free-destroydata/.
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