How to Dispose of Hard Drives Securely
With so much digital data flowing around us at all times, it's important to ensure you take precautions when disposing of old hard drives. Unfortunately, as technology develops, so too do ways to exploit it. After all, if someone wants your SSN, banking info, or other personal data, they aren't breaking into your file cabinets or safe in the dead of night to get it. No, they'd much prefer hacking that info remotely. This is why it's important to know how to securely dispose of old hard drives.
How Common Are Data Breaches?
According to reports from the Identity Theft Resource Center, Q1 of 2023 saw a total of 436 data breaches which impacted more than 89 million users. Unfortunately, these numbers are not an anomaly and are part of a continuing trend that’s expected to keep rising each year. As the number of data breaches continues to grow, so too does the cost of data breaches for businesses. A single data breach is estimated to cost businesses as much as $4.45 million in 2023.​
How NOT to Destroy a Hard Drive: Common Myths
1. Reformatting a Drive to Wipe It
2. Using a Magnet to Erase Hard Drives
3. Microwave a Hard Drive
4. Using Water to Destroy a Hard Drive
How to Dispose of Hard Drives Securely
If you want peace of mind knowing your data is fully wiped and scrubbed permanently from the face of the earth, then call in the professionals at R4 Services. We are discreet, secure, and professional, so you can destroy a hard drive without anyone knowing. We'll come to you to collect and transport the materials, or you can stop by our facility. We confidentially shred all hard drives under the supervision of insured employees and issue a certificate of destruction upon completion. Our brand-new, state-of-the-art hard drive shredder can handle any number of drives you throw at it and will instantly reduce any drive to unrecognizable metal bits. We'll work with you to assist your organization in its compliance requirements.
For discreet and proper hard drive destruction, contact us today.