Helpful Tips for Proper Data Handling

Improper data disposal can cause your company or business to become vulnerable to identity theft and data breaches.  Careless handling of data can cause many consequences that may do harm to yourself and to the company you are working for.  Be careful how your data is handled.  Data handling refers to how you care and manage for your printed and electronic data.  Handling can refer to editing, viewing, deleting and/or transmitting data.  It is particularly important for IT companies to handle their data safely especially because they handle sensitive data every day.  Electronic data handling can include the following actions:

Emailing or faxing data

Scanning information

Editing data information

Storing data in a media device like USB drives, hard drives, and CDs

Deleting information from these media devices

Whenever you perform any of these actions keep in mind how best to secure your privacy through secure data destruction methods.  Data security should be a priority for many companies especially with the frequent incidents of identity theft and even data breaches.  That being said, data destruction is critical to avoid compromising your safety as well as your company’s safety and reputation.  Proper data destruction entails physical destruction of all media and electronic devices that contain confidential data.  It is highly recommended that all businesses hire a professional to destroy data.  Hiring a reputable data destruction company can reassure you that no data will be traced back to you.  E-waste companies like West Coast Recycler perform on-site data destruction services which is cost-effective, eco-friendly and efficient.  Many businesses fail to realize the importance of safeguarding your personal information as well as your client’s data.  Simply deleting files, transferring files to a trash bin, reformatting your hard drive and shredding are certainly not enough to protect you against identity theft. 

Hard drive destruction ensures that data cannot fall into the wrong hands and be recovered, re-purposed or transmitted.  Documents containing private information including bills, insurance records, credit card applications and more can be subject to fraudulent activity if not handled with caution.  Data destruction is the most reliable method to ensure your business interests’ are protected from hackers.  It is strongly advised that you choose a firm that is partnered with NAID, follows EPA regulations, HIPAA compliant and provides a certificate of destruction.  This certificate of destruction is proof that your hard drives have been completely destroyed and will not be shared with anyone.  This is one way you can be sure that the firm is trustworthy.  Keep these tips in mind the next time you get rid of any electronic and data storage devices.  Request a quote today and let us help you get rid of all your old media devices without any added stress.