The Risks of Incorrect Data Disposal

In the digital age the risks of incorrect data disposal are high, improper disposal is a significant threat to businesses, posing risks to data security, legal compliance, and reputational integrity. Without secure disposal, data left on decommissioned devices can be exploited by cybercriminals, leading to data breaches, compliance violations, and substantial financial penalties. At DSA Connect, we ensure data disposal is executed with precision, using industry-leading methods to protect your business from the hidden dangers of improper disposal.

Risks of improper data disposal

When IT assets are retired, they often still contain sensitive information, from personal customer details to intellectual property. Disposing of these assets without secure data destruction can lead to:

1. Data recovery threats: Modern data recovery techniques allow cybercriminals to retrieve data even from devices that seem “wiped.” Only certified data destruction methods can fully secure against this risk.
2. Compliance violations: Improper disposal can put companies in breach of strict data protection regulations, like GDPR, resulting in costly fines and reputational damage.
3. Data disposal risks: Many businesses underestimate the persistence of data on retired devices. Failing to eliminate it can expose businesses to unauthorised access, identity theft, and legal repercussions.

DSA Connect’s approach to secure data disposal

DSA Connect provides a range of secure disposal methods designed to ensure that sensitive data is completely and irretrievably erased and destroyed. Our methods are compliant with top security and data protection standards, mitigating the risks associated with improper disposal. Here’s how we handle data securely and responsibly:

1. Certified data erasure with Blancco

For organisations that plan to resell or reuse devices, certified data erasure is essential. We use Blancco data erasure software, one of the most trusted solutions in the industry, to securely wipe data from hard drives, Solid State Drives (SSDs), and mobile devices. Blancco is recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and provides full, auditable certification. This means data is permanently removed, eliminating data recovery threats and meeting compliance standards.

2. Complete data destruction with degaussing

For assets like magnetic hard drives that need full data destruction, degaussing is the solution. Degaussing involves exposing the drive to a strong magnetic field that completely destroys all data, ensuring it can never be retrieved. Unlike puncturing or basic formatting, degaussing offers a guaranteed level of security for highly sensitive data. DSA Connect uses degaussing for clients requiring a full, irreversible data wipe to prevent any possible data disposal risks.

Physical destruction with granulation

To securely destroy data on SSDs and hard drives, DSA Connect uses a granulator, physically breaking down drives into particles as small as 6mm. This destruction technique ensures data cannot be recovered with even the most advanced recovery techniques. It’s the highest level of physical data destruction, especially crucial for sensitive information that cannot be left vulnerable.

Ensuring compliance and reducing liability

One of the primary reasons for investing in secure data disposal is to avoid compliance violations. Regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and various national data protection laws impose strict penalties for unauthorised data exposure. DSA Connect’s disposal practices ensure your data is handled and destroyed in compliance with industry standards, eliminating liability and protecting your business from financial and reputational losses.

Transparent Documentation and Reporting

DSA Connect provides detailed documentation of the data disposal process, with certifications that verify each step. Our clients receive full records accessible via a secure client portal, where they can view inventory, data destruction reports, and asset tracking. This sensitive data handling approach offers complete transparency, allowing businesses to demonstrate their compliance to regulatory authorities with confidence.

Why partner with DSA Connect for data disposal?

With years of experience and a commitment to the highest security standards, DSA Connect offers an unparalleled level of service. Here’s what makes us the top choice for secure data disposal:

• Certified data destruction methods: We offer a range of disposal techniques, from Blancco data erasure and degaussing to granulation, to meet various security requirements.
• Comprehensive audit trails: Our secure client portal offers real-time access to reports and certifications, ensuring your disposal process is transparent and fully traceable.
• Sustainable practices: In addition to secure data disposal, we also prioritise environmental responsibility, reusing or recycling devices when possible, in line with eco-friendly standards.
• Revenue sharing on resale: For assets that can be safely reused, we offer a revenue share option, adding value to the disposal process while maintaining data security.

Protect your business with secure data disposal from DSA Connect

The risks of incorrect data disposal are too high to ignore, and a secure, compliant solution is essential. DSA Connect’s comprehensive, certified data disposal services provide peace of mind, protecting your organisation from data recovery threats and compliance violations while ensuring secure, responsible handling of your IT assets.

Contact us today to learn more about how our secure data disposal services can safeguard your business and keep your data protected.