Hard drive destruction is something that every business owner should know about. Thanks to advances in data management technology, business owners are faced with unique challenges when it comes to protecting sensitive information. Companies have an obligation to customers and employees when it comes to making sure their personal data does not fall into the hands of identity thieves. Data stored on hard drives is at risk even after those drives have been wiped clean and sent out to be recycled. Destroying the hard disk completely is the only way to be sure the information cannot be retrieved.
Businesses accumulate vast amounts of information about customers and their employees every day. Everything from client contact information to tax and employment records are often kept on internal computer systems. The business records themselves contain sensitive information in the form of internal memos, inventory lists, legal documents and financial records, including credit card transactions. Without hard drive destruction, all this information can be mined by savvy identity thieves looking for new ways to access private data.
Virtually any type of business gathers this type of private data on a daily basis. Eventually these records outgrow the space available on the company’s computer system. As the business grows, there will be a need to add more hardware or replace existing equipment that has become outdated. Discarding the old equipment is where hard drive destruction services come into play.
Simply erasing the disk does not mean the data is gone forever. Some software programs go through and delete directories but the data can still be restored with other types of software. Hard drive destruction is the only way to be sure the data is completely safe and will not be accessible by any means.
Growing companies are constantly upgrading computer systems and installing new hardware as needs evolve over time. The old equipment must be discarded but merely tossing it in the trash is not a safe option. Any equipment that remains intact can be snatched up and the data recovered by anyone who knows how to do it. If this happens, the company is vulnerable to theft and can be held liable for any damages that may be incurred by third parties. This is why many company owners have started to consider hiring a business that specializes in hard drive destruction any time hardware is upgraded or replaced.
Complete hard drive destruction involves physically shredding the unit beyond all recognition. This type of complete obliteration is the only way to know this data can never be recovered and used again.
Proper hard drive destruction is handled by an industrial strength shredder that is capable of rendering any piece of hardware into tiny pieces. These pieces may then be discarded safely. Investing in hard drive destruction services gives business owners reassurance they are complying with all privacy laws.
Most businesses that provide hard drive destruction will accept a variety of media. They will have the means to shred CDs, DVDs, zip disks of all sizes, floppy disks of all types and all varieties of backup magnetic tapes.
These companies will often set up recycling schedules for high volume clients. These clients can arrange to have shredding services and hard drive destruction performed monthly or annually. They will also be able to handle on demand hard drive destruction service for those who require it. Company representative will work with clients to devise a schedule tailored to meet their specific needs.
Many business owners are concerned about chain of custody when arranging for hard drive destruction. One solution is to locate a shredding service that can do the job at the client’s location. Mobile shredding equipment is dispatched directly to the desired location. The material to be shredded is loaded into secure bins and relocated to the vehicle containing the equipment that will do the actual hard drive destruction. The client may witness the entire process from beginning to end and the equipment will not disappear from sight until it is dumped into the powerful shredder.
A professional hard drive destruction service will carefully screen all employees. They will undergo extensive background checks and be fully insured. Employees often go through comprehensive training sessions before being sent into the field.
Upon completion of the hard drive destruction process, the client will receive an official Certificate of Destruction. This document is a signed testimonial that provides the date, location and time of the hard drive destruction. It will also indicate the method used to destroy the hard disk. This establishes a record that legally provides proof the company has complied with all privacy laws.
The equipment used for successful hard drive destruction must be properly maintained to ensure it is in good working order at all times. Clients can have confidence that the shredding process will be complete and leave no usable material that could put them at risk. The shredding company must have a good reputation in the industry for quality hard drive destruction. Customer service and satisfaction should be high on the list of priorities of any data destruction company.
Business owners are urged to speak to representatives from several companies that specialize in hard drive destruction before signing a contract. Compare services and prices and ask for references. Any reputable company will be able to provide contact information for current and previous clients. Follow up with phone calls to get a feel for how the company handles customer service. The least expensive service may not necessarily be the best choice. At the same time, the most expensive company may not necessarily provide the best service. It will be easier to make an informed decision if the proper research is done ahead of time.
All business owners have a duty to protect any sensitive information stored on computer hard drives. Privacy laws require all sensitive information to be destroyed to keep it from being used improperly. When it is time to upgrade, any old equipment must be discarded properly and safely. Locating a service for complete hard drive destruction is the only way to be totally sure the information is gone forever.
Visit our directory for information about hard drive destruction services in the following cities in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas:
- Little Rock AR
- Fort Smith AR
- Fayetteville AR
- Springdale AR
- Jonesboro AR
- New Orleans LA
- Baton Rouge LA
- Shreveport LA
- Metairie Terrace LA
- Metairie LA
- Albuquerque NM
- Las Cruces NM
- Rio Rancho NM
- Enchanted Hills NM
- Santa Fe NM
- Oklahoma City OK
- Tulsa OK
- Norman OK
- Broken Arrow OK
- Lawton OK
- Houston TX
- San Antonio TX
- Dallas TX
- Austin TX
- Fort Worth TX
We also provide information on the following hard drive destruction and other services:
- hard drive backup
- hard drive eraser
- computer recycling
- clean hard drive
- how to erase hard drive