Monday 25 March 2013

Unique Content Article on computer, hardware, software, internet, data

Hard Drive Shredding Austin Businesses Need


by Christi Larsen


The electronic age means data entered into one's computer will never go away. Once the code is imprinted in memory, it remains even though the file name is removed from the index. This allows companies to retrieve data that is accidentally lost. However, it also creates a big potential problem, especially for those in the business world. Classified documents, credit card numbers and medical records may be retrieved from discarded devices. However, when they use hard drive shredding Austin business owners ensure the data is destroyed.

Most executives in business are unaware of the potential fines for which their company could be liable. If someone accesses health information, HIPAA allows fines for $250,000 plus ten years in prison for each violation. Financial institutions face up to $100,000 per violation of leaked data. Loss of this type of data can have an immeasurable impact on the reputation of businesses.

Today, identity theft is a growing problem in the USA. If these individuals get their hands on either one's social security number, driver's license number or a credit card, they have all that is needed to steal one's identity and begin causing the customer big problems. Many medical offices ask for the social security number for the file, make a copy or scan of the state issued identity card for insurance purposes and use the credit card for billing. The thief can gather more than enough info to steal an identity. The stolen identity can follow the individual for years.

Sometimes businesses are surprised to find the places this sensitive data is stored. It has recently come to light that modern copy machines store such information from every document scanned, faxed or copied on the machine. Such machines are often provided on a lease. When the lease expires, they may be refurbished and sent to another company without destroying this data. Many businesses found this security breach too late to stop the damage.

Wiping or erasing discs on such electronics does not provide the needed protection. Companies and clients may still encounter security breaches. The only method that ensures data cannot be recovered is the destruction of the platter on which it is stored. Without this action, it can end up in the wrong hands and be used for illegal purposes.

Although the services are used primarily by businesses, individuals may want to consider similar actions. The computer used in a home also is a source of one's personal information. Even after the machine no longer boots up, the data can be recovered by others.

It is important to ensure the company that provides the destruction services also takes precautions to protect the information. Each employee should have a background check. The serial number of each disc destroyed should be recorded and provided to the owner. The actual platter must be rendered useless physically to ensure it does not return to cause problems. Most experts agree a shredder is the best device for the job.

There is far too much important information on the electronic devices used by most companies to dispose of them in a negligent manner. The only way to ensure such information is destroyed is the physical destruction of each platter. With hard drive shredding Austin businesses protect themselves as well as their clients.




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