Federal Agencies And Contractors IT Departments Not Properly Securing Electronic Data For Destruction
Many federal agencies and government IT department contractors lack the proper knowledge to securely destroy and recycle end-of-life electronics. This shortcoming is causing the majority of retired electronic equipment to end up insecurely disposed of in landfills. Frederick, MD – Many federal agencies and government IT department contractors lack the proper knowledge to securely destroy and recycle end-of-life electronics. This shortcoming is causing the majority of retired electronic equipment to end up insecurely disposed of in landfills. With the possibility of federal fines and penalties resulting from the improper handling of electronic equipment and data, these groups are scrambling to find a proper more secure solution to their problem.

e-End, a Frederick, MD company specializing in on-site data destruction and electronic recycling has seen a sharp increase in inquires from federal and government contractor IT departments concerning third party data destruction and electronic recycling. “Two years ago no one understood why there was a need for a company like ours. This year has been a different story, companies and agencies are seeking us out,” said Arleen Chafitz, CEO of e-End. These groups are conveying a sense of urgency when contacting e-End, many times needing services to be carried out within days of their initial phone call.  This increase in direct contact from these groups shows that companies and government agencies are learning there is an absolute need to properly secure and dispose of electronic media. 

In 2008 government agencies reported a total of 110 cases of data breach. For example The Oklahoma Corporation Commission sold a server containing the names and Social Security numbers of thousands of residents without taking the proper steps to securely destroy the data the servers hard drives held. More than 5,000 Social Security numbers were found on the server and other state computer equipment that was sold at auction. This breach of security is a direct result of an organization having good intentions to do the right thing, but lacked the knowledge on how to properly and securely handle retired IT equipment.

Proper disposal of end-of-life electronics and media requires organizations to utilize a third party that supplies their organization with a verifiable audit trail of all of the items that have been destroyed and recycled. In many cases it has been the policy for organizations to rely solely on internal IT departments to process and destroy electronic media. If the media is to be properly destroyed to federal guidelines degaussing or purging is required followed by physical destruction. Many times the necessary steps to properly destroy electronic media are not taken. By using a third party for their electronic data destruction and recycling, organizations are guaranteeing that all their decommissioned electronics are properly and securely retired.

For further information about data security, on site data destruction, federal compliance and recycling of end-of-life electronics call 240-529-1010 or visit www.eendusa.com. e-End has a Zero Landfill Policy.

Contact:
Steve Chafitz, President
e-End
240-529-1010
Fax 240-529-1005
steve@eendusa.com
www.eendusa.com


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