As technology continues to advance, organizations will always have to upgrade their IT systems to keep up with demands. However, getting rid of old IT assets isn’t simply throwing them away in the trash can—there are security, financial, and environmental concerns to consider.
Here we’ll unpack those data security concerns and what organizations can do to avoid potential threats when looking to upgrade their IT infrastructure.
The Importance of Data Security in ITAD
ITAD is the practice of securely retiring IT assets by decommissioning and disposing of them. Unfortunately, improper disposal can leave organizations vulnerable to data theft, financial losses, and legal repercussions. According to a report by IBM Security, the average data breach cost in 2020 was approximately $3.86 million—so ensuring the proper disposal of EOL products can save organizations millions of dollars.
When IT assets reach the end of their lifecycle, they may still contain sensitive information, including customer data, financial records, and intellectual property—even if they’re damaged or don’t work properly. Cybercriminals can still easily retrieve information and data from the assets and use it as ransomware. To ensure that this data is not compromised during disposal, it is crucial to implement robust data security measures as part of the ITAD process.
ITAD Risk Mitigation
Organizations need to prioritize data security and responsible asset handling to mitigate risk. A comprehensive security policy needs to have a robust data destruction plan. This could mean employing certified data erasure or destruction methods, establishing a clear chain of custody, or implementing secure transportation protocols to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access during asset transport. Organizations should also choose a reputable ITAD vendor and train employees on ITAD policies and the ever-changing regulations.
How OSI Global Addresses ITAD Security Needs
OSI Global is a trusted partner in ITAD, offering custom end-of-life solutions for IT equipment—ensuring organizations balance environmental and sustainability risks with security risks.
Asset Recycling & Disposition
Gain the peace of mind that comes with best-in-class data erasure processes. OSI Global’s full-service IT asset recycling and disposition solution minimizes your risk and enables you to derive maximum value from your aging assets.
- Coordinate asset take-outs, inspections, and audits of existing equipment.
- Asset reclamation process modernized to accommodate the global shift of increased work-from-home practices.
- Decommissioning plans, secure transportation, and distribution of IT assets that are no longer in use.
- Complete with full audit trails, and chains of custody, and compliant with strict data security guidelines like NIST, DoD, NAID AAA, HMG Infosec 5, and other regional standards.
Deployed Workforce “Box” Program
For remote locations and a deployed workforce, OSI Global offers a “Box” program with a fully managed solution providing packaging, logistics services, tracking, and disposition. Assets are held in our facility for deployment or recycling, as needed, with a team of highly skilled professionals ready to assist.
- Reduce logistics costs.
- Streamline inventory management.
- Easily redeploy or dispose of assets.
- Access a remote team that works seamlessly with your environment.
OSI Global for Secure ITAD Needs
OSI Global is a reliable partner in addressing these concerns, offering certified data erasure and destruction, stringent chain of custody protocols, secure transportation, and comprehensive compliance reporting. By choosing OSI Global for your ITAD needs, you can rest assured that your sensitive data will be safeguarded throughout the disposal process—reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring a responsible approach to e-waste management. Chat with an expert today.