IS IT RISK AVOIDANCE OR RISK TAKING?


A recent IDG research survey among 200 U.S.-based IT leaders found they are keenly aware of the risks associated with inappropriate disposal of end-of-life IT equipment. Their top concerns include: loss or theft of customer or patron information; damage to organization’s reputation; loss or theft of intellectual property; punitive fines; and criminal charges.

Despite these concerns, they are taking risks with the ways in which they’re disposing of retired or obsolete IT assets. For example, a surprisingly high percentage of companies (47%) admit they sometimes, often, or always throw these old devices in the trash. This action can fall afoul of environmental regulations and data-protection rules.

Also worrisome: Sixty-three percent of organizations say they hold onto old equipment, storing devices without wiping the data. Having old laptops sitting in closets or equipment rooms, for example, invites potential theft — by employees, visitors, or intruders.

These actions reveal a disconnect between recognition and actual avoidance of risks.

“Unfortunately, there are some companies that don’t do everything the right way,” says Brooks Hoffman, a member of the secure e-waste and IT asset disposition team at Iron Mountain. “It’s easy to cut corners. If you do, it could come back to bite you. It could even result in a data breach.”

ACHIEVING ITAD OBJECTIVES


To overcome the challenges associated with IT asset disposition, IT leaders recognize the need for outside help. The IDG survey reveals that, over the next 12 months, companies will leverage a third-party ITAD provider for the whole gamut of services:

  • Recycling and component recovery
  • Data sanitization
  • Offsite media destruction
  • Onsite media destruction
  • Transportation/logistics
  • Make/model/serial number capture
  • End-of-lease management

To read full download the whitepaper:

Secure IT Asset Disposition: Achieving Business Value While Mitigating Risks

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