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.
Identity theft continues to grow in the USA. If the wrong person gets his hands on information such as one's driver's license number, social security number or credit card, they have enough to steal an identity, resulting in problems that take years to clear up. In the typical medical office, all three of these identifiers as well as medical records may be stored on the computer database. Thieves can gather more than enough info to steal many patients' identities and ruin their chances of buying a home or vehicle until the problem is cleared up.
Many businesses may be surprised at the devices that store this information. Recently, it was revealed that modern multipurpose copy machines store each document that is copied, printed, scanned or sent as a fax. These machines are commonly leased and pass from one business to another. There is no guarantee where the machine will go next. Unless data is destroyed, it goes wherever the copier goes, making it a possible source for leaks.
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.
Even individuals may want to consider this service before disposing or passing on a home computer. Much of their personal identifying information is stored on the computer. Just because a machine no longer turns on does not mean someone cannot retrieve the data.
Companies that provide this service to business should also take precautions to ensure data does not fall into the wrong hands. Employees should have background checks. The serial number of each disc destroyed should be provided to the owner. The platter for each machine should be physically destroyed.
Far too much important information has been stored on the devices depended upon by companies to dispose the machines negligently. Physical destruction of the platter ensures information is protected. Using hard drive shredding Austin businesses protect their clients as well as themselves.
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.
Identity theft continues to grow in the USA. If the wrong person gets his hands on information such as one's driver's license number, social security number or credit card, they have enough to steal an identity, resulting in problems that take years to clear up. In the typical medical office, all three of these identifiers as well as medical records may be stored on the computer database. Thieves can gather more than enough info to steal many patients' identities and ruin their chances of buying a home or vehicle until the problem is cleared up.
Many businesses may be surprised at the devices that store this information. Recently, it was revealed that modern multipurpose copy machines store each document that is copied, printed, scanned or sent as a fax. These machines are commonly leased and pass from one business to another. There is no guarantee where the machine will go next. Unless data is destroyed, it goes wherever the copier goes, making it a possible source for leaks.
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.
Even individuals may want to consider this service before disposing or passing on a home computer. Much of their personal identifying information is stored on the computer. Just because a machine no longer turns on does not mean someone cannot retrieve the data.
Companies that provide this service to business should also take precautions to ensure data does not fall into the wrong hands. Employees should have background checks. The serial number of each disc destroyed should be provided to the owner. The platter for each machine should be physically destroyed.
Far too much important information has been stored on the devices depended upon by companies to dispose the machines negligently. Physical destruction of the platter ensures information is protected. Using hard drive shredding Austin businesses protect their clients as well as themselves.
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