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The world is facing problems caused by the exponential increase of electronic wastes. Digitalization exacerbated these issues, with developers introducing new technology with short life cycles. Now, data security is one of the concerns of every company that disposes of technology. Malicious actors can retrieve sensitive data via the improper disposal of these technologies.
This article provides information to keep your business safe from these malicious acts. Read on to know more about e-wastes and data security and how to keep your data safe.
The E-Waste Problem
Research shows that the world generated 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste in 2019. Moreover, the world collected and recycled only 17 percent of these scraps. This problem brings with it risks for human health and the environment. Aside from that, e-wastes also bring data security challenges for businesses. Entrepreneurs store sensitive data in electronic devices. This data can include confidential agreements, specifications, processes, and pricing. This highlights the importance of having a reliable 100 percent disposal solution.
Keep Your Data Secure
There are several ways businesses are ensuring the proper destruction of their data. Companies send their depleted assets to recycling firms for complete data wiping. This approach can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This is because it reduces the production of completely new material. For computers and devices with a hard drive, shredding is the way to go. Some firms hire a shredding company, which also has a positive environmental impact.
Recyclers can use the secondary raw materials out of shredded components. This can also reduce the production of raw materials, which can be harmful to the environment. Recycling firms offer data wiping and data destruction services. They provide secure destruction of sensitive, proprietary, or classified data. These are some options for proper data security when disposing of technology. Remember to review the security standards implemented by your recycler. Now that you have these useful options, you still need to make a habit of following the best practices below.
Back-Up
Data security isn't only keeping sensitive data out of the hands of criminals. It's also the protection of key information. All devices malfunction. They can get viruses, which can lead to data loss. This highlights the importance of data backup. You can use a cloud system to back up sensitive business information. You may even opt to back up data using external hard drives. But, this option is less safe than using cloud-based storage systems.
Secure
You need security checks that prevent malicious actors from retrieving sensitive data. Security checks should include the following:
Erasure
Delete sensitive information if you don't need them anymore. Proper erasure of information can prevent hackers from stealing it in the future.
Encryption
Make sure that your sensitive data has a form of password protection. Make it so that data is only accessible if the user enters a particular key set.
Masking
Make sure your device has a masking feature, which hides certain components of data sets. This way, even if someone gets a hand on the device, the data is still secure.
Multi-Factor Authentication
This refers to requiring more than one password or other authentication processes. These can be passwords or biometric requirements, like a fingerprint. Don't compromise on your recycling processes when it comes to data security. Make the effort to keep both your sensitive business data and your environment safe.
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