DATA DESTRUCTION
compliance is an overriding fear factor for most businesses. “Physical destruction through degaussing is fast and efficient, sanitising sensitive information and rendering it irretrievable. However, degaussing machines can be costly, require heavy maintenance and manual effort, and are only designed for low volumes of destruction, with little room for scalability. Plus, degaussing removes the residual value of WEEE, meaning the material still needs to be discarded once neutralised. “Secure shredding, on the other hand, can process virtually any WEEE, as well as a whole host of complex waste streams, making it the most reliable way to ensure the robust handling of everything from sensitive paperwork and electronic drives to contraband products and high-value branded production waste. “With precise shred and particle homogeneity, it satisfies stringent data destruction rules, while optimising materials for downstream processing.” Evolving demands Marcus adds that customer demands for data destruction are evolving as more progressive technologies are introduced to the market. “Customers want the flexibility to implement them into their workplace as quickly as possible, while maintaining affordable pricing per user,” he says. “At the same time, they want end-to-end support from device imaging and kit delivery to endpoint security, ongoing IT advice, and the compliant, environmentally responsible disposal of the redundant equipment. This is especially the case now, as spiralling IT budgets come into sharper focus and firms look for opportunities to consolidate their kit. Its why Technology-as-a-Service offerings are so successful for many channel partners. “But as the ESG performance within supply chains comes into sharper focus, manufacturers, channel partners and customers will come under increasing scrutiny when it comes to how any ‘unwanted’ equipment is handled.” Jim says there is a growing interest among enterprises to erase data before assets leave their premises/networks. “This eliminates data security concerns due to chain of custody
Data destruction is more critical than ever as organisations grapple with the challenge of managing increasing volume of data in the AI and cloud era. “ ”
overwrite the existing data with random patterns, effectively erasing the original data and allowing the device to be reused. It is the most environmentally friendly option, promoting the reuse of products and potentially offsetting destruction costs. “Meanwhile degaussing is suitable only for magnetic media. It exposes the device to a strong magnetic field, destroying any data. However, it renders the device inoperable and unsuitable for non-magnetic media like SSDs. “Finally, shredding can be applied to all media types, ensuring complete data destruction. However, it results in waste material, which must be treated as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). “It is crucial to recognise that if a device fails data erasure by overwriting due to being faulty or inoperable, it should always be physically destroyed. Even non-functioning devices can have recoverable data in a forensic lab environment. “For businesses aiming for ecological responsibility, data erasure by overwriting is the primary option. It supports product reuse and reduces the environmental impact compared to other destructive methods. While recycling materials is possible, physical destruction methods still result in the product being treated as WEEE. Adopting sustainable data destruction practices not only helps the environment but also can offset destruction costs.” Marcus Brew from UNTHA UK adds that
Jim Elder vice president
blancco.com
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