Data breaches aren’t just a problem for big corporations—they can happen to anyone. Even tech giants like Meta and Apple have been compromised, and in 2023, our own National Public Data was breached. If some of the most secure organizations in the world can be hacked, what does that mean for your business?
The truth is, data lives on long after you think it’s gone. If you’re not disposing of old IT equipment the right way, you could be handing over sensitive information to hackers, competitors, or even identity thieves.
The good news? Secure data destruction ensures that your old IT assets don’t come back to haunt you. Let’s break it down.
Every hard drive, SSD, server, and mobile device holds more than just old files—it contains a digital footprint of your business, from financial records to customer data. And here’s the kicker:
- Simply hitting “delete” isn’t enough.
- Factory resets won’t fully erase sensitive data.
- Old devices tossed in storage or the trash are a security risk waiting to happen.
If your IT assets aren’t properly disposed of, you could be exposing yourself to:
- Cybercrime & identity theft – Hackers can recover deleted files, emails, and passwords.
- Regulatory fines for non-compliance – If you store customer or employee data, you must follow laws like HIPAA, GDPR, and Iowa’s Consumer Data Protection Act (ICDPA).
- Loss of customer trust & reputation damage – A single data leak can cost millions in lawsuits and lost business.
Bottom line: You wouldn’t leave your house keys on the sidewalk. Don’t leave your data keys out in the open either.
How to Properly Destroy Data (So No One Can Recover It)
There’s a right way and a wrong way to destroy data. Spoiler alert: dragging files to the trash and pressing “empty” is the wrong way. Here’s what actually works:
- Data Wiping – Overwrites data multiple times to ensure it’s completely unrecoverable.
- Degaussing – Uses a powerful magnetic field to wipe data from hard drives.
- Physical Destruction – Hard drives are shredded or crushed to make data recovery impossible.
At Electronic Asset Security, we specialize in secure data destruction that meets strict industry standards like NIST 800-88 and DoD 5220.22-M, so you can rest easy knowing your data is truly gone.
Best Practices for Data Security in Iowa Businesses
To keep your business secure, follow these data destruction best practices:
1. Work with a Certified ITAD Provider
Not all IT disposal services are created equal. Choose an R2V3-certified IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) provider—like Electronic Asset Security—to ensure your data is destroyed according to industry standards.
2. Maintain a Data Destruction Policy
Your business should have clear, written guidelines on how IT assets are retired and disposed of. A strong data destruction policy helps keep everyone on the same page and prevents security gaps.
3. Keep a Secure Chain of Custody
How do you know where your IT assets go after they leave your office? Document every step of the disposal process to ensure:
- Devices don’t get lost or stolen
- Data is securely erased before equipment is repurposed
- You have proof of compliance if needed
4. Regularly Audit IT Asset Disposal
Cyber threats evolve fast, and so should your data security practices. Regular IT audits help confirm that every retired device has been properly handled—so you don’t have to guess whether your old data is truly gone.
Don’t Take Risks with Your Data—Destroy It the Right Way
Data breaches are expensive, stressful, and entirely preventable with the right approach. Before you retire any IT equipment, make sure you’re disposing of it securely.
At Electronic Asset Security, we make data destruction easy, secure, and fully compliant with industry regulations. Whether you need data wiping, degaussing, or physical destruction, we handle it safely, responsibly, and with full transparency.
Want to protect your business from data breaches? Contact Electronic Asset Security today for professional data destruction services in Iowa!