Keeping data secure is a key part of any business, and proper disposal is just as critical as protecting it. Whether it’s an upgrade of older equipment, an office relocation, or offboarding employees, data erasure should be at the forefront of a company’s thoughts and procedures.
But what is data erasure, and how does it differ from a standard factory reset?
A factory reset can reset the phone, but it doesn’t completely clean all data. Regular file deletion breaks down the digital structure of the data; however, parts are still left present, meaning unscrupulous software can still recover fragments, putting the data at risk. In contrast, data erasure ensures that all data is destroyed and can never be recovered. This frees up devices for safe reuse and safe disposal at the end of life.
Deletion is not a secure process. Data Erasure offers the best value for safety – higher security and improved device reusability.
So why is secure or forensic Data Erasure so important?
Failure to erase data securely and adequately can often lead to:
- Data breaches from second-hand devices
- Non-compliance fines under GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA
- Reputational damage and loss of customer trust
- Leaked internal documents, credentials, or IP
And when should a business use Data Erasure?
Some everyday use cases include:
- End-of-life asset disposal or resale
- Employee offboarding
- Equipment returns
- Device reallocation within the company
Within the last 12 months, there were numerous incidents:
- 43% of businesses and 30% of charities reported experiencing a cyber-attack
- This equates to approximately 612,000 businesses and 61,000 charities affected nationwide
At EGE, providing companies with complete security opportunities is something we hold in top priority, and to do this. We utilise our partners, PhoneCheck and Piceasoft, both of which use certified software to overwrite data, conforming to and passing through ADISA testing, ensuring each device is securely wiped.
Data erasure isn’t just good practice—it’s a necessity in today’s technology-dense world. With constantly increasing cybersecurity threats and tightening data protection laws, businesses can no longer afford to overlook this crucial process.
Whether it’s wiping laptops or mobile devices, make sure it’s not just data deletion—but instead secure erasure.
To learn more, please contact us today.
