Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Certified Data Destruction
Featured Article from the ERA (Electronic Recycling Association), a CIPS Partner
Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Certified Data Destruction
As data breaches become increasingly prevalent, the importance of managing the full lifecycle of IT assets—particularly their end-of-life phase—has never been greater. While many organizations prioritize cybersecurity during the active use of devices, secure decommissioning is often overlooked, posing a significant risk to data integrity and regulatory compliance.
The Risks of Inadequate Disposal
Data-bearing devices such as hard drives and backup media may retain recoverable information long after they are decommissioned. Improper disposal practices expose organizations to data breaches, legal liabilities, and reputational harm. Numerous studies have found sensitive corporate and personal data on devices resold through secondary markets due to insufficient data sanitization.
Adhering to International Best Practices
To mitigate these risks, it is essential to implement secure data destruction procedures that align with globally recognized frameworks. One such guideline is ISO 20700, which promotes accountability, transparency, and ethical business conduct within consultancy and service delivery environments. Applying its principles ensures that organizations uphold high standards for risk management, including the secure handling and disposal of sensitive information throughout the IT asset lifecycle.
Partnering with certified service providers, such as the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA), helps ensure that all data-bearing devices are either professionally wiped using industry-approved methods or physically destroyed. ERA’s processes emphasize both data security and environmental responsibility.
Data Destruction as a Pillar of Cybersecurity
Secure IT asset disposition should be embedded into your organization’s broader cybersecurity strategy—not treated as a peripheral task. By formalizing data destruction protocols, your organization can:
- Safeguard confidential business and client information
- Comply with national and international data protection regulations
- Minimize audit and legal exposure
- Promote sustainability through responsible reuse or recycling
A Dual Commitment: Security and Sustainability
Secure data destruction supports more than just cybersecurity; it contributes to your organization’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives. By working with reputable partners like ERA, businesses can securely dispose of outdated electronics while enabling the reuse of refurbished equipment by charities, schools, and underserved communities.
The Electronic Recycling Association is committed to delivering certified, secure, and sustainable IT asset management solutions—ensuring nothing is wasted, and every device is responsibly repurposed or recycled.