5 Myths About Shredding IT Assets

by
Sage

No matter what you’ve heard, shredding hard drives has gaps (pardon the pun). While most ITAD providers claim the superiority of shredding data-bearing devices, we see it as a game of smoke and mirrors. Let’s look at 5 myths you’ve probably heard about shredding being best IT asset data-sanitization method.

  1. It’s guaranteed data destruction
    Oops, not exactly true. Turns out that pile of shredded metal is hard to sort through, which means you can’t guarantee your hard drives are even in that pile unless you watch them put each one in the hopper.
  2. It’s cheaper than the alternatives
    Data-erasure software costs far less than big industrial shredders and all the insurance surrounding them, so it’s likely we aren’t seeing the total cost of shredding. But we do know the difference is often made up through the export of e-waste.
  3. It’s more efficient than data erasure
    Shredding product means workers are happy just so long as something makes it in the hopper. This creates ideal conditions for your device to “accidentally” get lost or, say, fall onto that India-bound shipping container...  
  4. It’s better than data erasure
    Quick-and-dirty dealings with your retired assets might sound more cost-effective but you give up the potential resale value that only erased drives can bring (Not to mention any ESG equity that comes from being more sustainable).
  5. It’s the standard method
    Actually, this is true. But that doesn’t make it right! The better option is to be sustainable with IT assets as they have so much left to give. With a sustainable mindset, the sanitization of data becomes the most critical component (because you can track it!), instead of just another thing to toss in the hopper.

So, choose an ITAD partner who looks to reclaim the most value from your devices. This will ensure your data is completely sanitized while offering a cost-recovery program that isn’t illegal. Just be sure to look for their NIST 800-88 data sanitization compliance.

And, with the right partner, like Sage, you have other options such as Employee Purchase Programs, ecommerce sales, or donations to glean the most value from your IT assets. Check out our processes to learn more or contact us for a quote on your data-sanitization needs.

Gartner Service Category
How Sage Delivers
Decommissioning

End-to-end deinstallation of desktops, laptops, servers, networking gear, and data center hardware; white-glove onsite teams trained for secure chain of custody initiation.


Collection & Bin Rental

Secure collection containers and scheduled pickups for enterprise campuses and data centers; flexible container sizes and recurring logistics programs.


Transportation Logistics / Chain of Custody

GPS tracked transport, serialized item level tracking, secure serialized containers, digital chain of custody documentation, and secure fleet partners vetted for compliance.


Data Sanitization

NIST 800-88 compliant data erasure, cryptographic wipe, or certified physical media destruction; serialized certificates provided.


Recycling & Component Recovery

Sustainable electronics recycling, e-Stewards certified downstream compliance with local, federal and Basel regulations, responsible material recovery, and transparent reporting. Mass balance accounting of all materials received and dispositioned.


Remarketing / Resale

In house refurbishment and resale through global B2B channels, wholesale networks, and Sage-owned retail outlets; maximized equipment value return.  Repair and refurbishment services increase the salable value of all assets received.


Trade-In Management

OEM and distributor trade in program management, valuation services, and turnkey collection for multi vendor hardware environments.


Service Provisioning

Asset testing, configuration, imaging, and deployment support for newly acquired or redeployed equipment.


Software Harvesting

Reporting supports timely decommissioning of all licenses installed on assets received.


On-Site Data Destruction

Mobile shredding units, onsite media destruction, witnessed destruction options, serialized proof, and video verification upon request.


Lease Return Management

Complete handling of leased asset reconciliation, condition assessment, packaging, documentation, and on time returns to multiple lessors. Repair, refurbishment and kitting services minimize lessor chargebacks at lease termination.


Charitable Donations Management

Fully managed equipment or resale revenue donation programs, including data wiping, refurbishment, and nonprofit delivery.


Sales to Employees

Custom portals and programs enable employees to purchase refurbished corporate devices securely and conveniently with zero enterprise involvement. A one-year warranty is included with all purchases.


Redeployment Programs

Enterprise scale redeployment preparation includes testing, repair, imaging, configuration, repackaging, and global distribution.


About the author:
Sage

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