Data tape shredding is one of the numerous forms of data destruction. Moreover, data destruction is the process of destroying information stored in tapes, hard disks, and other electronic devices until it is rendered unreadable and unusable for unauthorized purposes. Among the other data destruction methods, it is considered as the most secure and most cost-effective way to destroy your electronic data in any media. Shredding is also an excellent option for businesses with a stockpile of data tapes. This process reduces the electronic devices to tiny bits with an approximate size of fewer than 2 millimeters. 

Working in a high-security environment will require higher data security. Although availing of data tape shredding and other data destruction services will cost you money, it is a no-brainer to avail of one. Before worrying about the amount it will require to avail these kinds of services, you must also consider the cost of data breach, security, and environmental rules violation. 

Common Data Tape Shredding Mistakes

Any piece of data that your company collects, develops, uses, and stores are considered valuable assets. Mishandling of this data will result in massive financial losses, damage to reputation, and public confidence loss. Nevertheless, the government regulations about data security make it indispensable for the company to comply with these rules. Don't let your efforts and money go to waste by knowing the most common data tape shredding mistakes. 

Not Following the Data Retention Policy

The data retention policy is a set of rules that guide businesses to decide how long to retain the information and dispose of the information when it is no longer needed.  Companies often forget when is the right time to dispose of the data tapes. Legally, organizations are allowed to destroy the information after the period of retention expires. And ignoring the retention policy will lead to monetary penalties and even criminal prosecution.

Not knowing where the Asset End Up

There is an abundance of third party data shredding services available in the market. Outsourcing these services has been the most cost-effective way to shred your data tapes. However, companies often fail to check the background of these third-party service providers. Associating your company with a non-reputable company might cause you problems; moreover you are entrusting them your electronic waste that contains valuable assets in the form of digital information.

Doing It Yourself

The data tapes' complexity requires professional expertise and enough resources to execute the data tape shredding properly.  Businesses are doing it in their own facility and with their personnel to cut the expenses. However, most companies and even large business organizations don't possess the required knowledge and resources to destroy the data tapes properly. Instead of saving by doing it yourself, it will result in a more severe problem that will cost you money and the company's reputation. 

Not Keeping An Eye on the Asset Disposal Reports

After entrusting your assets to third-party service providers, it is necessary to track the data destruction status and reports. These reports will be your protection against a data breach. Reports also serve as proof to know whether your data tapes have already been rendered illegible. Using software to destroy your data tapes digitally will provide you a certificate; however, no certificate will be released if the data destruction is done manually. Instead, the proof of shredding is stored through video and pictures of the shredding process. 

Quick Disposal of Assets

IT assets like data tapes and hard drives, even not working, might still have value for the company. Another common mistake of organizations in data tape destruction is being too quick in disposing of their assets. Although the fastest way to eliminate the e-waste is disposing of it through shredding, companies can also find value from these wastes. A thorough inspection of assets will be required to identify which parts are still in good working condition, which can be repaired, and which to resell. 

Not knowing if you are compliant with the government and industry regulations

Companies often forget to keep up with the government and industry regulations after outsourcing the data destruction. However, it is still the company's primary obligation to ensure compliance with the statutes. Notwithstanding the fact that the service provider has a duty of compliance with the rules, it is the company's liability to its clients to protect their entrusted data.

How To Correct or Avoid this Mistakes

Data tape destruction is not just a convenient way to eliminate your waste - it is also a legal and environmental obligation of the company. Adopting the proper practices is necessary to maintain data integrity and protect from identity hackers. Here are some tips to avoid data tape shredding mistakes.

• Create an IT Asset management policy. Establishing a clear and robust IT asset management policy is a must. Also, strictly following it will significantly help the company in general. A well written IT asset management policy will include the rules from creation of data down to its destruction.
• Create a data retention policy. In addition to the IT Asset management, it is also imperative to create a retention policy to keep and dispose of the data tapes. This will avoid holding data tapes for too long as required or disposing of data tapes too early before the period of legal usefulness ends. 
• Another important practice to avoid data tape shredding mistakes is to be aware of the government and industry regulations you must abide by. As an organization, you must keep up with the rules and be updated to avoid violations and penalties.
• Before deciding whether to outsource the data tape shredding services or to put up an own facility to destroy your data tapes, it is necessary to weigh both options' pros and cons. You must consider the high security that it will give if it is done on your own facility, as no outsiders will handle the data tapes before it is rendered into tiny pieces. But you must also consider the investment it will require to avail and maintain a shredding facility. This will include the costs to acquire the intricate knowledge for the employees.
• In the case of outsourcing, check the reputation of the service provider. Avoid incorporating your company's name into a non-reputable organization. Always do background checking of the companies you associate.  Check if they are compliant with the regulations and if they practice secure data destruction.
• Keep your records. These records will include everything about the data tapes, from their purchase to their disposal. By having a clear and complete recording of this, you can quickly locate data tapes. You can also have a concrete basis to know whether there are missing data tapes.
  

Consequences of incorrect data tape shredding

The truth is that improper data tape shredding will cost you more than what you expect. With that in mind, let's discuss the three of the most severe ramifications of incorrect data tape shredding. 

Fines and Criminal Cases

Engaging in business will require compliance with necessary laws and industry regulations. If your data is not destroyed, it will violate rules and might need you to pay substantial fines. In more serious case, you might also be subject to face civil and criminal lawsuits depending on the severity of the violation. 

Lost of Trust

One of the consequences of improper data tape shredding is the loss of clientele' trust. Your customers entrust to you their personal details that may cause danger for them when leaked. This includes social security number, credit card information and whatnot.  Ignoring the need to secure these data will result in the loss of clients. And the hard truth is that a single breach will result in a permanent loss of clients. Because even if you work harder, it is close to impossible to regain their trust. 

Business Closure

Lastly, the ultimate consequence of improper practices is the potential loss of business. If your company does not practice proper data tape shredding, information hackers will target your business. According to Cybercrime Magazine, 60 percent of small businesses who experienced data breaches go out of business within six months. 

Secure Your Data Destruction with Abtron!

The tight competition in the market increases the need to secure corporate data.  Avoid these mistakes without worrying too much and reach corporate success in no time with Abtron Computer Services' help. They are a reputable company that values the integrity of their clients. Because your privacy matters, Abtron offers you a secure data destruction service designed for your needs. Rest assured that your data will be wiped out into tiny bits. It is the perfect time to connect with us, don't miss the chance to know more about Abtron today!