In case you have data stored on your hard drives, you need to seek expert data destruction services. When it comes to data storage, merely deleting the data is not sufficient. The deleted data can be recovered by someone who possesses software capabilities. Thus, it is vital that you select a professional for data sanitization.

Secure hard drive destruction

In case you want to delete data that is sensitive, you need to ensure that its recovery is not possible. A reliable data destruction service adopts extensive measures to make sure that your data is completely erased. Here’s a look at the vital things you need to consider when it comes to selecting a professional hard drive destruction service:

The manner in which they destroy the data

A reliable hardware data destruction service will provide multiple options when it comes to erasing your data. Let us have a look at the common options:

Shredding the hard drive

In case you no longer require your hard drive, the company can shred it for you. A lot of companies have mobile shredders that can be utilized on the premises of the client or at their own facility. The company will efficiently destroy your hard drive and will make sure that it is adequately disposed of so that you are in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations of electronic waste disposal.

Wiping the hard drive

In case you require the hard drives back, you need to get them wiped clean. Many services follow the DOD (Department of Defense) Protocol which implies that they wipe the hard drive three times by utilizing a special software to wipe every time.

How they prove if the data has been effectively erased?

Since you are providing the company sensitive data for the purpose of erasure, you need to make sure that they carry out the task properly. Certain companies will permit a witness to be present during the process of destruction but all services should provide a certificate of destruction as proof that they have carried out the duty for which you hired them.

Do they offer hard drive destruction services and on-site data erasure?

A reliable electronic recycling or data destruction service should be able to offer on-site data destruction in case you want your hard drives to be shredded or wiped. Your hard drives need to be locked up in a container that is tamper-proof and should be traceable. When at the facility, the hard drives need to be stored in an area that is locked and monitored until the data is wiped clean or the hard drives are destroyed.

Are their employees reliable?

Ask the company about their hiring process. It is vital that you work with a hard drive destruction service that conducts in-depth background checks on its employees to make sure that your sensitive data is in safe hands.

The type of certifications that they have

Certifications talk a lot about the trustworthiness of an e-waste disposal company. The common certifications include the following:

• Responsible Recycling (R2) Certification

• e-Stewards Certification

• Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS) Certification

• Recycling operations performed under EPA, state, federal and local guidelines.