Digital Information Security

Study Finds Confidential Data on Discarded Hard Drives

A recent study, sponsored by BT (British Telecom) and Sims Lifecycle Services, a division of Sims Recycling Solutions, finds that more than one-third of discarded hard drives still contain confidential data. The study was carried out by forensic computer science labs at Longwood University, Farmville, Va.; the University of Glamorgan, Wales; and Edith Cowan University, Australia.

Some of the data uncovered during the research involved national security, including a disk that contained information on missile defense systems.

"It is clear from the sensitive information revealed by this study that a wide range of organizations, businesses and individuals all over the world are fundamentally failing in their duty to properly manage sensitive data when their IT equipment passes outside of their control," says Jon Godfrey, Sims Recycling Solutions. "IT directors budget vast amounts of money on data security to protect live data on the equipment they use day to day, yet fail to realize that the data have a value which far exceeds the useful life of the equipment. It is vital to realize that residual data can still be accessed years after the equipment has been discarded and in the wrong hands could have not only financial consequences but potential implications for national security." He adds, "It is essential that organizations destroy data via a professional and secure data destruction system or through physical destruction before passing the equipment for secondary use."

Columbus, Ohio-based TechDisposal, an IT asset disposition and recycling firm, introduced its Business Partner Program designed specifically for members of the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) and their clients at the 2009 NAID Annual Conference in New Orleans April 1-3.

"Most on-site hard-drive shredding solutions are capital intensive and do not fully address the bulk of a customer’s typical computer disposal needs, which usually also include recycling or resale of PCs, monitors, printers, servers and a host of other hardware," Kevin Toshok, director of business development at TechDisposal, says. "The TechDisposal Business Partner Program provides a more comprehensive solution to complement on-site hard-drive shredding services, increase revenues and effectively penetrate new and existing accounts."

According to TechDisposal, features of its Business Partner Program for NAID members include program flexibility, including reseller, referral and consolidation options; no capital investment required; gross margins of up to 40 percent; and sales and marketing support.

TechDisposal is the term contract provider to the state of Ohio and has been serving the asset disposition needs of government and corporate clients nationwide since its founding in 1997.

More information is available from Toshok at ktoshok@techdisposal.com.