Nowadays, all of our personal data is on our smartphones. They contain information, which might include photographs, messages, billing information, credit card details, and so on.
That is why, every time we decide to trade them in, sell them, or recycle them, we expect those stores that obtain our private information to know how to protect us.
For companies that deal with used devices, the data removal process is not only a technical process; it is a matter of ensuring people’s privacy and gaining their confidence.
Therefore, if you run a used device business and process dozens of devices daily, you must ensure that no sensitive information is left on them.
Want to know how you can go about this data removal or erasure procedure?
Let’s explore how to wipe data from your stock in compliance with the latest guidelines in the field of data protection.
1. Standards and Certifications
The field of data protection is constantly developing and adapting to new threats. Therefore, multiple guidelines and standards exist for data erasure regulation. However, none of them are enough to guarantee the safety of data wiping.
That is why it is advisable to work with certified data erasure tools and services, which will guarantee that the job is done correctly.
When choosing a certified data erasure solution, go for the ones with several certifications. For example, NSYS Data Erasure is ADISA-certified and compliant with GDPR, R2, and NIST SP 800-88.
Let’s explore these guidelines in detail:
(i) ADISA
This certification provides three schemes for different types of media to ensure that data is deleted irrecoverably from all of them. It may include the data stored on devices like hard drives, SSDs, and mobile phones.
Beyond that, the Asset Disposal & Information Security Alliance (ADISA) regularly conducts audits to check that the software provider complies with ADISA’s high standards. Such audits make your certified tools accurate and dependable, thus ensuring that data is safe when disposed of.
(ii) NIST SP 800-88
NIST SP 800-88 is capable and reliable in terms of data erasing as it follows specific guidelines by NIST. The guidelines published by the National Institute for Standards and Technology are among the most reputable standards in the industry.
It has a wide range of security applications and provides varied options regarding the necessary level of security. So, due to the evident adherence to the key principles of its elaboration, NIST SP 800-88 has become a reference for many other erasure solutions.
Other certifications, like IEEE 2883, are based on the NIST sanitization techniques Clear, Purge, and Destroy, which provide secure data erasure from various media storage types.
(iii) R2
R2 stands for Responsible Recycling and is created to support and standardize e-waste recycling. This certification ensures that recycling is done while protecting the environment and safeguarding data.
It emphasizes sustainable processing while noting the challenges associated with data management during the recycling process. Solutions compliant with R2, such as NSYS Data Erasure, are verified for use by device recycling companies.
2. Employee Training
There is no doubt that even the best tools will not be effective if applied inappropriately. That is why staff training is one of the most critical factors for ensuring only a high-quality and consistent erasure of data.
Ideally, the workers should know why securing and particularly erasing data is essential, how to employ data erasure software, and how to prevent potential risks. These risks may include missed storage devices. They should also know what an incomplete erasure looks like.
Thus, the training ensures everybody remains updated with the new tools and the latest regulatory measures. As a result, every device is managed correctly to keep the data secure.
3. Precise Chain of Custody
Within the used device business, transparency of ownership and responsibility is fundamental since accountability drives customer reliance.
That means logging all the processes in a device’s lifecycle from the time it is received for erasure to when data removal is accomplished. The process usually involves:
- Registering the device when it gets delivered and the details of the customer who bought it.
- Providing each device with an identity number for ease of tracing in case of theft.
- Documenting the time and manner in which data erasure has been done.
- Storing devices safely so others cannot access them until they are processed.
In this way, the proper handling of devices and data through a solid chain of custody lowers the odds of improper handling of devices. It also gives your customers confidence their devices and data are secure.
Importance of Data Erasure
For businesses operating with pre-owned devices, wiping data is crucial for several reasons:
- To prevent data breaches;
- To prevent financial and reputational losses;
- To avoid legal issues.
If people access the sensitive information left on the devices and use it with malicious intent, your company will be held responsible for this leakage. This will lead to reputational damage and a decrease in customer trust.
Apart from this, if you run a buyback program in-store, you need to perform device tests with used phone diagnostics for retail. This will ensure that you not only wipe the device but also accurately evaluate its functional condition.
Conclusion
Erasure of data is not simply a technical function; it is about demonstrating to customers that you care about their privacy and that your business practices reflect those values.
You can improve this procedure by incorporating erasure solutions that abide by the standards and compliance, promoting employee training, and developing a precise chain of custody.
The mentioned practices also show the importance of data erasure in the used devices business and the process in which it is conducted.
Therefore, if you run this type of business, be sure to employ such practices to gain your customers’ trust and loyalty successfully.
