Old devices set the stage for hackers’ bad magic
Those boxes of older laptops collecting dust in the corner of your office or warehouse could be a security risk, believe it or not. There’s a false sense of security when old devices are stored behind closed doors. But like Houdini managed to escape most things, so can your company’s data with the help of any modern-day hacker. When devices are not properly erased, security risks are a reality many businesses face as a result.
The answer? IT Asset Disposition (ITAD)―a safe and secure process of responsibly disposing of IT equipment. And when you partner with the right ITAD professional, you can rest assured that data is safely erased.
A 2019 Blancco study revealed over one-third of businesses were taking huge risks with their old devices because they weren’t cleaning up the data properly before discarding or recycling them. Risky business practices like poor storage and lax audits leave devices vulnerable to hacker attacks. A whopping 80% of companies had old, unused equipment just hanging out in storage. Secondhand hard drives sold online are often goldmines for hackers. A research found that nearly 60% of the hard drives they bought online still had recoverable data like payment records, passport scans and even military documents.
When it comes to protecting your data, less action means more risk. Whether it’s personal devices or business technology, ensuring data is fully erased is a must. Gaps in data security are there―it just takes one wrong move to make sensitive information available.
Closing the gap in data security
In the rush to keep up with technology trends and updates, companies often reach for new and active devices while the outdated ones keep collecting dust in that storage room or warehouse. ITAD providers can help close this gap by not only securely disposing of old technology but also refurbishing devices to resell, which can add another revenue stream to reinvest in, say, security.
A proper end-of-life solution is key to preventing opportunistic hackers and data breaches.
- Get back on track and learn how your company can not only stay more secure and aware but also profit from decommissioning end-of-life IT assets.