Answers to The Top 5 Hard Drive Shredding Questions

A hard drive disintegratingIdentity theft prevention is more than destroying paper records. Hard drives and other digital devices store enormous volumes of sensitive data. In this blog, we answer the top five hard drive shredding questions.

Q: Why do I need to shred my hard drives?

A: Careless disposal of hard drives causes several problems. First, hard drives taken from a trash or recycling bin can lead to data theft. Second, failure to destroy sensitive data can lead to regulatory non-compliance. Third, hard drives contain hazardous materials that harm the environment. Hard drive shredding ensures your devices are destroyed in a secure, compliant, and environmentally friendly manner.

Q: Can’t I erase my hard drives and sell them?

A: Yes, you can, but you’re putting your data at risk. Personally identifiable information (PII) can be extracted from “erased” devices. In a study conducted by the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), 40 percent of used electronic devices sold on the secondhand market contained PII. If you value your data, destroy your hard drives.

Q: Do laws require businesses to shred old hard drives?

A: Several federal regulations, including the following, mandate privacy protection standards for the disposal of electronic data:

  • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA)
  • The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

So, to make sure your business complies with state and federal laws, destroy your hard drives in a secure and verifiable manner.

Q: Do you recycle hard drive waste?

A: Electronics recycling is integral to a hard drive shredding service, preventing environmental pollution and health hazards. After destruction, the remaining pieces are recycled with a raw material extraction process to produce new metal and plastic products. Besides receiving a Certificate of Destruction, you are also provided with a “Certificate of Recycle” after your project is complete.

Q: What should I look for in a hard drive shredding provider?

A: Make sure your hard drive shredding provider is . The National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) is the non-profit, standards-setting body for the information destruction industry. NAID AAA Certified hard drive shredding companies must pass ongoing audits by third-party security professionals so you know they destroy your media with a strict chain of custody and according to the highest industry standards.

For more information about hard drive and media shredding, please call us at 615-242-9600 or complete the form on this page.

Richards & Richards offers document destruction and hard drive shredding services for businesses throughout Nashville.

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