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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently
Asked
Questions

There are many factors that go into deciding which destruction solution is right for you.

Types of Media: Do you have traditional hard drives, or do you have solid state drives? Do you have a mix of both? Do you have any optical media such as CDs/DVDs? Do you have any laptops or switches?

Volume: How much media are you planning to destroy? Do you only have a few hundred a month, or do you have upwards of thousands every month?

Level of Destruction Needed: Depending on your industry and what type of data you are storing, you may be subject to different destruction standards. Is 10mm debris acceptable, or do you need the highest level of destruction to ensure media particles are less than 2mm?

Power Requirements: What power requirements can your office, organization, or data center provide? Depending on the limitations, this may steer you towards a particular solution.

Mobility: Do you have a process for transporting secure media to be destroyed? Will your
destruction solution be stationary, or do you need it to be mobile?

Check out our products page below to see which solution is right for you.

Yes! At Phiston, we understand that every business has unique data destruction needs. That’s why we specialize in creating custom solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Our experienced team works closely with you to assess your data destruction goals, compliance obligations, and operational constraints, helping you determine the right solution that meets your needs. With our expertise and comprehensive range of data destruction technologies and services, we have the flexibility to address various data storage media, including hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), tapes, and more. Whether you require on-site destruction, off-site services, or a combination of both, we can design a solution that fits seamlessly into your workflow and ensures the highest level of security. We understand that compliance is a critical concern for businesses in various industries. Our team stays up-to-date with the latest regulatory requirements and industry best practices, ensuring that the recommended solution aligns with relevant standards such as NIST, HIPAA, GDPR, and more. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach to data destruction. We can be your trusted partner in designing a customized solution that meets your unique needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how our expertise and tailored approach can deliver the right data destruction solution for your business.

Yes, there are standards and guidelines in place for securely destroying hard drives.

One of the most widely recognized standards is provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the United States Department of Commerce. NIST Special Publication 800-88 Rev. 1, titled “Guidelines for Media Sanitization,” offers comprehensive recommendations and best practices for securely destroying various types of media, including hard drives.

While third-party data destruction companies can provide convenience and expertise in handling your data destruction needs, there are certain risks that should be considered.
  1. Data Breach: Entrusting your sensitive data to a third party introduces the risk of a data breach. If proper security measures and protocols are not in place, your data could be exposed to unauthorized access, potentially leading to financial losses, legal implications, and damage to your reputation.
  2. Lack of Control: When relying on a third party, you have limited control over the data destruction process. You have to trust that the company follows secure procedures and employs reliable personnel. If there are lapses in their security practices or mishandling of your data, it could result in breaches or compromised data.
  3. Compliance Issues: Depending on your industry and geographical location, you may be subject to specific data protection and privacy regulations. If a third-party data destruction company fails to adhere to these regulations, it could lead to compliance violations and potential legal consequences for your organization.
  4. Chain of Custody Concerns: Handing over your hard drives to a third party means relying on their chain of custody practices. If there are gaps or vulnerabilities in their chain of custody processes, there is a risk of data tampering, unauthorized access, or the mishandling of sensitive information.

Not handling end-of-life media properly can lead to severe legal and financial penalties. Federal and state regulations require companies to dispose of their electronic waste in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines, legal fees, and even criminal charges in some cases.

In particular, the improper handling of personal or sensitive information can have
serious consequences for both individuals and companies. If customer data or confidential business information is not securely destroyed before disposing of
electronic devices, it can be vulnerable to theft and misuse. This can lead to significant
financial losses, legal liabilities, and damage to brand reputation.

Furthermore, many industries such as healthcare and finance are subject to strict data protection laws like HIPAA and PCI DSS. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties including fines, legal action, and loss of business licenses. Therefore, it is important to ensure that end-of-life media is handled properly to avoid these potential penalties.

Yes, data destruction practices can be sustainable and environmentally sound if they are done correctly. Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing concern for the environment as it contributes to pollution and waste in landfills. Poorly disposed of electronic devices can release toxic chemicals like lead and mercury into the environment, causing harm to both humans and wildlife.

However, proper data destruction practices can help mitigate these negative impacts. Many companies are adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and repurposing electronic devices instead of sending them to landfills. Recycling electronics can recover valuable materials like copper and gold, which can be used in other products. Furthermore, by securely destroying data before recycling or repurposing, companies can ensure that sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands.

Overall, sustainable and environmentally friendly data destruction practices are possible and increasingly being adopted by companies around the world. Data destruction
practices should align with local and international environmental regulations. By taking
a responsible approach to e-waste management and data destruction, we can protect our environment and reduce our impact on it.

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