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When it comes to data security, it’s more involved than just setting up firewalls and malware software. Companies need to think about the entire lifespan of an electronic device. Using an e-waste recycling company for electronic devices that are no longer in use is a great option. Another popular method to ensure data is kept secure, even with old electronic devices, is to use a degausser.
It’s essential to have a plan in place for electronic devices that are out of commission because even if it’s not being used, the information that was stored on the computer can still be recovered. Also if the files were deleted, the original data is always stored on the hard drive. That’s where degaussing comes into play. A degausser is a machine that disrupts and eliminates the magnetic field stored on the disk media and tapes. When the magnetic field is interrupted, the information stored on the hard drive becomes scrambled, and therefore, the information becomes irretrievable. Once the degaussing process is complete, you can be sure that any information that was once stored on the hard drive will now be safe and will not be able to fall into the wrong hands. Degaussing is also a popular choice because it is a fast and very effective way to make sure all your information is secure. It’s a great way to protect sensitive and identifying information from both employees and customers.
While degaussing is an excellent option for companies to consider due to its ease and effectiveness, another popular option is the physical destruction of data. For companies that might have a large quantity of old electronic devices, degaussing may not be the most time effective option. A hard drive shredder, for example, can have the ability to shred thousands of hard drives every hour. Regardless of whether you decide degaussing or hard drive shredding, be sure to have a plan of how to securely get rid of data from old electronic waste.
