When you talk about data security, many people assume you are talking about your presence online and how to protect your assets. While this is true, media destruction is one of the most important aspects of data security, and ironically, it is one of the most often overlooked.
5 ways data security is related to media destruction
Here are five ways data security is related to media destruction and why it is important to have a media destruction solution:
HIPPAA Laws
Media destruction is required due to HIPPAA laws and privacy concerns. The federal government puts regulations on the destruction of old data, especially data that is more than 5 years old. This is an attempt to keep third parties from stealing or using such data. The HIPPAA laws are concerned with protecting consumers’ health and insurance related data. Other FTC regulations, such as FACTA are primarily concerned with protecting consumer credit data. Both are important to keep the sanctity of the information secure.
Liable for Negligence
You may be liable for negligence if you let the data get into the wrong hands. The law protects consumers from the careless misuse of their information. This has become such a security concern among businesses and individuals alike. Both criminal and civil penalties can be opposed for gross negligence. So any lack of professionalism on your part regarding the security of consumer data could cost you a lot.
Media Destruction
Media destruction is the only single way to totally destroy data that could cause such legal implications. The total destruction with shredders and other tools is the only to ensure complete data erasure or obliteration.
Credibility
The credibility of your company is at stake. As Target and other major chains have learned the hard way, the credibility of your company can suffer from even one major (or minor) infraction. Everyone may think it’s not your fault; however, there will be plenty of people who will still ask, How did they let this happen? What did they miss? It is becoming increasing important to do everything humanly possible, including the purchase of automatic software systems, to make sure this sort of thing does not happen.
Total Destruction
Total destruction is key. Remember that data security depends on the TOTAL destruction of media that is on old hard drives, removable drives, hard media, and other sources. You must first keep up with where all data is stored. Then, devise a solution to totally annihilate any and all old data, no longer used sensitive data, or data that is incriminating to someone.
The Solution
These are serious concerns for only businesses, especially those dealing with the sensitive financial or medical data of consumers. But there is a simple solution. Find a media destruction company who will do it right the first time, and totally destroy any traces of the old data. That’s where we come in. Phiston Technologies has been protecting the integrity of businesses for years using our specific total destruction tools. We have media and hard drive shredders, and a host of other tools that not only destroys data, but leaves no traces of it behind. If you need more information on how we can help you protect your data security and the credibility of your company, contact us.
