It seems as if data entered on a computer never really goes away. Once it is imprinted on a platter, it may no longer be visible in libraries, but can often still be retrieved. This can cause big problems for business who deal with sensitive documents, customer credit card information or medical records. By using hard drive shredding Austin business owners can ensure the information is properly destroyed.
Many executives do not know about potential consequences for data leaks such as fines or prison time. HIPAA protects health records with fines of $250,000 and prison time of up to 10 years per incident. Financial institutions can face fines that range to $100,000 per incident. Reputation damage for the company is often immeasurable.
Today, identity theft is a growing problem in the USA. If these individuals get their hands on either one's social security number, driver's license number or a credit card, they have all that is needed to steal one's identity and begin causing the customer big problems. Many medical offices ask for the social security number for the file, make a copy or scan of the state issued identity card for insurance purposes and use the credit card for billing. The thief can gather more than enough info to steal an identity. The stolen identity can follow the individual for years.
Businesses are often surprised to find the electronics that store such sensitive information. In recent years, it has been disclosed that modern copy machines store the information from each document they print, scan, fax or copy. Since these machines are provided on a lease basis they often travel from one office to another once the previous lease is terminated. Unless the data is destroyed, it travels with the machine and can fall into the wrong hands.
Wiping and erasing discs on these devices does not provide adequate protection. Businesses thinking they had protected themselves have encountered security breaches. Only by destruction of the actual platter is the data stored on it eliminated. Unless one takes this action, the materials may end up in the wrong set of hands.
Even individuals may want to consider this service before disposing or passing on a home computer. Much of their personal identifying information is stored on the computer. Just because a machine no longer turns on does not mean someone cannot retrieve the data.
Companies that provide this service to business should also take precautions to ensure data does not fall into the wrong hands. Employees should have background checks. The serial number of each disc destroyed should be provided to the owner. The platter for each machine should be physically destroyed.
The electronic devices used in a business have far too much vital information to be disposed haphazardly. With hard drive shredding Austin businesses ensure clients are protected. The process physically renders the platter useless for retrieving the information.
Many executives do not know about potential consequences for data leaks such as fines or prison time. HIPAA protects health records with fines of $250,000 and prison time of up to 10 years per incident. Financial institutions can face fines that range to $100,000 per incident. Reputation damage for the company is often immeasurable.
Today, identity theft is a growing problem in the USA. If these individuals get their hands on either one's social security number, driver's license number or a credit card, they have all that is needed to steal one's identity and begin causing the customer big problems. Many medical offices ask for the social security number for the file, make a copy or scan of the state issued identity card for insurance purposes and use the credit card for billing. The thief can gather more than enough info to steal an identity. The stolen identity can follow the individual for years.
Businesses are often surprised to find the electronics that store such sensitive information. In recent years, it has been disclosed that modern copy machines store the information from each document they print, scan, fax or copy. Since these machines are provided on a lease basis they often travel from one office to another once the previous lease is terminated. Unless the data is destroyed, it travels with the machine and can fall into the wrong hands.
Wiping and erasing discs on these devices does not provide adequate protection. Businesses thinking they had protected themselves have encountered security breaches. Only by destruction of the actual platter is the data stored on it eliminated. Unless one takes this action, the materials may end up in the wrong set of hands.
Even individuals may want to consider this service before disposing or passing on a home computer. Much of their personal identifying information is stored on the computer. Just because a machine no longer turns on does not mean someone cannot retrieve the data.
Companies that provide this service to business should also take precautions to ensure data does not fall into the wrong hands. Employees should have background checks. The serial number of each disc destroyed should be provided to the owner. The platter for each machine should be physically destroyed.
The electronic devices used in a business have far too much vital information to be disposed haphazardly. With hard drive shredding Austin businesses ensure clients are protected. The process physically renders the platter useless for retrieving the information.
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