A Single Data Breach Can Bankrupt Even the Largest Insurance Company | TechWaste Recycling

Securing sensitive information by turning to data destruction experts is vital in most, if not all, industries, from the medical sector to small manufacturers. It might not seem like it at first glance, but this remains true for the media and entertainment industry as well. Along with keeping client information safe, it becomes ever more important for studios to protect their intellectual property as the common practices for making movies change. To this end, data destruction is just as important as traditional security measures, and comprehensive solutions include both.

What Data Breaches Look Like

Data breaches aren’t limited to cyberattacks from afar. Any device, storage medium or paper document with sensitive data on it could potentially end up in the wrong hands, and physical access to such data can’t be stopped purely by software or network-based security solutions. Malicious third parties often look for discarded storage that hasn’t been properly destroyed in order to extract data that could still be intact. Internal threats are even more likely, whether from within the studio or third-party services helping make the movie. If old media is left in storage or on-site, it can be lost or stolen.

Sensitive data can include scripts, footage, internal communications on future film projects, contract information with actors or third parties, etc. Leaks can force costly changes to future films or jeopardize business relationships.

New Industry Standards

Almost all media production is recorded digitally, not counting the use of CGI assets or films produced entirely in CG animation. On top of that, third-party service vendors are increasingly relied on for collaboration on these projects. These facts, together with broader concerns about intact data left on devices no longer in use, necessitate a comprehensive approach to keeping content safe — both while it’s still in use and when it’s no longer needed.

In light of this, the MPAA issued common guidelines on best practices for protecting content in December 2009, with several updates since. These outline ways to ensure confidentiality and security on multiple levels: organization policies and management, security for physical documents and assets, and digital security within one’s network and when transferring data or communicating. While these practices aren’t enforced by the MPAA, many studios have chosen to enact them to better protect their interests.

The Best Way to Responsibly Dispose of Company Computers

Professional Best Practices for Data Destruction

Inevitably, storage media and electronic devices, as well as more traditional media like film reels, need to be disposed of. This can be simply when a project is completed, but it also includes deprecated IT assets when upgrading tech. Proper data destruction is needed when recycling or donating these assets. TechWaste Recycling is certified and capable of the task. employing multiple methods:

  • Data wiping software such as DBAN thoroughly overwrite the bits on a hard disk, rendering contents impossible to retrieve
  • Degaussing, destroying magnetically recorded data, and rendering the storage device inoperable
  • Physical destruction methods, including stake punching and shredding, to recycle component materials
  • Destruction of documents by DoD- and NSA-compliant shredding procedures

Along with the destruction process itself, you get a certificate verifying that the data destruction has been completed to match military- and government-grade standards. Additionally, we handle the disposal of assets, whether intact or shredded, to protect the environment from electronic waste.

To learn more, click here to see how we serve the movie industry and other entertainment industries, or contact us today.

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 secure data destruction process here: Secure Data Destruction

Contact Info:
Richard Steffens
1940 E. Occidental street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 866-637-8469