DiskShred mobile shredder can destroy hard drives and electronic media devices

(12/05/2009)

Studies have highlighted how prominent the risk of data theft from redundant media is and how vulnerable organisations are. A report published in the International Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry claims that data being stored on redundant drives represents a significant level of risk for commercial sabotage, identity theft and even political compromise.

The three-year study, titled "The analysis of information remaining on disks offered for sale on the second-hand market", found that only one-third of disks had been wiped clean of data as compared with 45 percent in the previous year’s study. This figure is supported by the recent report by Kessler International, which shows that 40% of second-hand hard drives it researched contained personal and confidential corporate information.

DiskShred has announced the launch of its fast, foolproof and secure disposal solution for sensitive and confidential employee, customer and business information. Providing on-site destruction of hard drives and other electronic storage media, DiskShred uses a lorry-based industrial shredder at the client’s premises to mutilate devices to 20mm pieces of debris.

DiskShred’s disposal process is as follows: The lorry arrives at the client’s premises, the client’s electronic media is loaded onto it, DiskShred’s vetted staff remain with the lorry and materials at all times, and the devices are shredded in plain sight of the client. The security this disposal method offers is invaluable when one considers the latest research on data theft and data loss.

DiskShred’s on-site shredding service allows clients to safeguard the personal and sensitive information they hold by providing conscientious destruction of their redundant media on their own premises. It enables clients to fulfil Data Protection requirements, and it can be a valuable risk mitigation resource in a client’s governance, risk and compliance (GRC) policy.

DiskShred’s mobile shredder can destroy an extensive range of hard drives as well as other electronic media devices including:
- CDs and DVDs;
- Floppy disks;
- Zip disks;
- Memory cards;
- CCTV and video tapes;
- DAT tape/DLT cartridges;
- Back-up tapes and disks;
- PDAs and mobile phones;
- Portable storage devices (memory sticks/pen drives/flash media, external hard drives); and
- ID badges, electronic tokens and PIN readers.

“We developed this service because we recognise that data theft is a real and significant concern for businesses of all sizes,” says Philip McMichael, DiskShred’s founder and Operations Director.

“Likewise, the farther redundant media travels from a business’ location and the more hands it passes through, the greater the risk that that sensitive information could be lost or stolen. Not only does our method thoroughly destroy media and the sensitive information it contains, but it also offers clients added assurance: media never leave their control until destruction is complete. Our method keeps clients’ data safe by keeping it with them at all times. And because our shredder is mobile, we can assist clients anywhere in the UK and Ireland.”

Recent clients have included governmental departments, major corporations and SMEs, including those in the manufacturing, financial, law and accountancy sectors.

Related topics:  Computer and PC Security   Data management and data security   ID card   Smart card 

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