When it comes to data security, your company should have a data breach plan so that you’ll be prepared for whatever life throws at you. A data breach plan acts as a response guide so those in the company dealing with the situation will know exactly how to respond. Included in your data breach plan should consist of protective measures such as the physical destruction of data and what hard drive destruction equipment will be needed to make this possible.
Your data breach plan should also be able to answer some of the following questions. For example, what type of personal information is being collected in your company and what categories of individuals are collecting data on. Are they employees, customers, business contacts, volunteers others? Is your organization that must follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, also known as HIPPA? What medium is your company storing personal information? Do you use paper files, desktops or backup tapes? Is your information encrypted? Who has access to this information? These are just some of the questions that your data breach plan should be able to answer.
When it comes to determining how to avoid a data breach in the first place, a company should have a plan for data at all stages. For example, when personal information is first gathered, how is it being stored and saved? When the personal data is no longer needed, what is done with the information? Is it stored, thrown away or does a third party company acquire it? One of the best ways to ensure that all data that has reached the end of its life remains secure and does not fall into the wrong hands is through the physical destruction of the hard drive or another memory source. Be sure to use a certified e-waste recycling company for your data destruction needs.