
Scandal often follows data breaches in large, well-known companies. When thousands of customers are exposed to potential identity theft and personal information leaks, they’re rightfully concerned. The risks to larger companies seem greater due to the large number of clients served. Small businesses can be more at risk, however, since they often can’t afford optimal security and don’t have the funding to cover litigation in case of a scandal. It’s critical for small business owners to be aware of potential risks associated with data theft and stay informed on how to combat them.
Data Security Risks
While many business owners are concerned about cyber-attacks through hacking and viruses, the actual sources of leaked data aren’t always online. In fact, the top four risks have little to nothing to do with hackers.
- Failure to properly dispose of old data: One of the most common ways customer and business data is stolen occurs when papers or broken data storage devices are not properly cleared before they are thrown away.
- Untrustworthy employees: While most employees are not intentionally malicious, careless employees occasionally leave the business open to data theft by failing to appropriately secure data, log out of devices or lock up.
- Video and voice recording: Video conferencing and other voice or video software are amazing tools for communication. These systems are unfortunately vulnerable to bugging and eavesdropping, making them targets for data theft.
- Theft of personal devices: Many workers use personal devices including smartphones, computers and tablets to access work accounts. While this is a great way to boost productivity, personal devices do not always have enough security to prevent theft.
Even the most careful business owner can be exposed to breaches in security that come from lack of care. This is especially true when new software or policies aren’t backed by proper data security.
Protecting Private Data
No business wants to suffer a data leak. Small businesses especially struggle to come back from these unfortunate scandals, often resulting in the business going bankrupt while trying to cover litigation and reestablish its reputation. Some businesses are combatting data leaks is by continually updating policies, investing in increased online security measures and careful online policies. One simple way of protecting private data is to ensure paper and data storage devices are disposed of correctly. Choosing an accredited eWaste recycling company like TechWaste Recycling can give you peace of mind when you dispose of computers, flashdrives and other data storage items.
Proper Data Disposal and Data Destruction
Secure data destruction comes in many forms, yet the goal and outcomes are universal. Ensure data cannot be maliciously used or ever accessed once a device is slated for disposal. TechWaste’s data disposal services erase and/or destroy data from any devices containing sensitive information. Strategies include DBAN data wiping, media degaussing, stake punching and physical shredding. Each come with certificates of proper disposal and different levels meet different needs that meet various types of data security standards including DOD, NIST, PIPEDA to name a few.
TechWaste Recycling directly services all of Southern California and provides pickup services to its facilities from nationwide locations. Visit TechWaste Recycling’s website at www.techwasterecycling.com to schedule a pickup that works for your convenience and schedule.
Learn more about TechWaste’s data disposal process and how to protect your company from data theft here: Secure Data Disposal Services
Contact Info:
Richard Steffens
1940 E. Occidental street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 866-637-8469