Did you know that corporate data theft remains a serious problem? When it comes to disposing of old corporate computers and other hardware, there are valuable pieces of information that could be lost.
This being said, data theft and litigation could all result if the end-of-life devices aren’t properly disposed of.
This article will show you how to prevent your company’s data theft by proper IT recycling. Let’s first discuss the dangers associated with improperly disposing of end-of-life devices.
Three Dangers of Dumping End-of-Life Devices
It’s simple to throw away your electronic devices. There are risks involved in simply throwing your old electronic devices in the trash can.
In fact, incorrectly tossing electronics can lead:
- Negative environmental impacts
- Data theft from corporate data
- Legal costs
Continue reading to learn about the dangers associated with dumping end-of-life devices.
1. Negative Environmental Impact
Hidden dangers are lurking in your electronic waste (ewaste). Many electronic devices contain toxic substances that can be harmful to the environment.
Electronics can be thrown away in an improper manner and can pollute the soil, air, and water.
These toxins can end up in the atmosphere and cause respiratory problems and other health issues for humans and animals. These chemicals can not only get into the air but also seep into the soil around the landfills. These chemicals can end up in our drinking water and in the food we eat.
Instead of sending your old devices to the dump, recycle them. This helps the environment, and protects you from data breaches and lawsuits.
This brings us to the next point: corporate data theft.
2. Corporate Data Theft
Other than pollution, data theft and litigation also pose a major concern. Data recovery methods can make it more difficult to dispose of e-waste properly.
Modern data recovery methods allow criminals to access your assets
Software companies are beginning to improve their digital security but they have neglected the hardware they discard. It’s not enough to simply wipe old drives and put them up for sale. Because data recovery tools have improved over time, so large amounts of partial data are still available–often enough to allow thieves to use or get away.
Criminals can seize e-waste from landfills to steal your data. This could lead to identity theft or confidential company data being stolen. Many businesses even discovered hard drives that they believed were lost on eBay!
Your sensitive data cannot be protected by a simple overwrite or wipe. You can only ensure the security of your data by having it recycled with a credentialed IT asset manager company.
3. Legal costs
Data breach lawsuits rose in the UK and the US between 2010 and 2020. Here’s why.
British Airways suffered a data breach in 2018 that exposed the financial and personal information of hundreds of thousands of customers. Another data breach was also reported at HyVee, a convenience store chain. The breach took place in nearly 40 Iowa cities and stole customer names, credit card numbers and verification codes.
Kroger’s inability to protect employee data led to a data breach that exposed millions of employees’ birthdates and social security numbers.
Customers and employees who were affected by data breaches could file lawsuits and get settlements. Many businesses learned the hard way that a data breach lawsuit can be costly.
How IT recycling can help protect your assets
Most businesses consider IT recycling a routine task. Recycling your electronics is an environmentally-friendly way to protect your data from data theft.
After your material arrives at a recycle facility, it will first be inventoried. Any company identification or sensitive information should be destroyed. Next, the valuable components are reused and the remaining parts are further processed for final metals recovery.
Who can recycle your old devices properly?
The Importance and Value of an IT Asset Disposition Company
A company like eCycle Florida can help you manage and securely destroy your IT assets.
This post was written by Steven Elia Co-Founder and Recycling Director at eCycle Florida. eCycle Florida is a R2 Certified electronics recycling company in the state of Florida. Our processes and procedures are dedicated to the proper destruction and recycling of your electronics. eCycle Florida is your go-to when looking for an electronic recycling center in Tampa.
