As more homes and companies continue to invest in data storage solutions, the need for efficient e-waste recycling has also increased. Devices such as hard drives, servers, and cloud equipment may eventually become outdated and require safe disposal. But before such items are taken for recycling, the data that was contained therein will need to be erased and destroyed so that unauthorised persons don't gain access.

Destroying data from old hard drives isn't as easy as just pressing the delete button. You need a reliable process that ensures the safety of all sensitive company data. Here are 4 tips to help you complete this process in the right way.

1. Develop a Data destruction plan

A data destruction plan is a process of deleting and destroying data such that no other person can gain unauthorised access. Data destruction starts from the time you no longer need a device until the time you dispose of the equipment. It requires participation from multiple stakeholders, including employees and the e-waste recycling company. This process also encompasses many different types of equipment. Whether you're giving away old computers for recycling or you're disposing of damaged servers, data destruction will be a critical part of the process.

2. Prioritise the destruction of personally identifiable data

The most sensitive data that any business handles is personally identifiable data. Such data includes customer names, addresses, credit card numbers, social media information, and application logins. When recycling old equipment, your company should prioritise the destruction of personal information so as to reduce security risks. The best approach is to develop workflows for erasing such data in a routine manner. You should also have a team that checks old hard drives and servers for the presence of personal data before this equipment is recycled.

3. Choose a reputable recycling service

Another important step is to carefully select an e-waste recycling service. You need a company that has internal protocols for checking old equipment for any lingering personal data. In this way, you have a backup plan in place to cover any data that you may have overlooked. Reputable e-waste recyclers also handle your equipment safely before it can be passed on to downstream supply chains for further processing.

4. Keep records of the recycling process

You should also keep detailed records of how your old storage equipment is recycled. In this way, you can follow up on any flaws in the process to determine which data might be at risk. Taking a proactive approach is the best way of reducing the risk of a data breach.

To learn more about your options, contact some recycling companies. 

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