What Every Manager Should Know About Data Security

reemjuneh
Jul 25
2 min read

Data is one of your company’s most valuable assets. But what happens when that data is stored on outdated, broken, or unused devices? If you’re a manager in charge of operations, IT, facilities, or compliance, understanding how to handle device disposal securely is not optional; it’s essential.

Here’s what every manager should know to protect their company from data breaches, legal risks, and reputational damage.

Why Device Disposal Is a Hidden Risk

Outdated laptops, servers, hard drives, USB drives, and smartphones often contain sensitive data, even after it has been deleted. Simply erasing files or reformatting a hard drive does not permanently remove data. Sophisticated recovery tools can still access residual information.

What Data Security Means During Disposal

Data security doesn’t end when a device is no longer in use. True security includes the final phase of the device lifecycle, secure disposal. This involves:

Certified Data Destruction Use shredding or degaussing services with proper certifications like NAID AAA to guarantee total data elimination.
Chain of Custody Make sure there’s a secure and trackable process from pickup to final destruction.

🛑 Common Mistakes Managers Make

Storing Old Devices Indefinitely Keeping old devices “just in case” increases the risk of data exposure and physical theft.
Donating or Reselling Without Sanitizing Devices that haven’t been properly wiped or destroyed can still leak sensitive data.
Relying on In-House Wiping Methods Deleting files or using a factory reset isn’t enough. Only physical destruction guarantees complete erasure.
Overlooking Remote Workers' Devices Distributed teams may store sensitive data on personal or company-issued devices; these must also be collected and securely disposed of.

Best Practices for Secure Device Disposal

Create a Device Disposal Policy: Establish a clear policy for when and how to dispose of electronics and who is responsible.
Work with a Certified E-Waste Recycling Partner: Choose a partner who offers both environmental sustainability and certified data destruction.
Keep Records: Ensure you receive Certificates of Destruction for every batch of devices you dispose of. This is crucial for audits and legal protection.
Train Your Team: Ensure employees understand the importance of secure disposal and know how to follow your process.

Bonus: Go Green While Staying Secure

Secure disposal doesn’t have to come at the environment’s expense. Partnering with certified e-waste recyclers ensures your electronics are dismantled, recovered, and recycled responsibly, supporting your sustainability goals.

Final Thoughts

Data security is everyone’s responsibility, but it starts with management. If you're not thinking about what happens to your old devices, you're leaving your company vulnerable. Prioritize secure device disposal as part of your organization’s data protection strategy.

Looking for a secure and sustainable way to dispose of your electronics? Let SHREDZe help you protect your data while protecting the planet.