When people think about confidential information, paper files are usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, many businesses overlook another hidden risk: old media.
Old media refers to any outdated storage device that may still contain sensitive information. Even if it no longer works or hasn’t been used for years, the data stored on it could still be recovered if it falls into the wrong hands.
What counts as old media?
Old media can include:
• Hard drives from retired computers or servers
• CDs and DVDs
• USB memory sticks
• Backup tapes
• Mobile phones and tablets
• Memory cards
• Floppy disks (yes, there are still some around!)
Many organisations replace IT equipment every few years but never think about what happens to the storage media afterwards. Instead, it ends up in cupboards, lofts or storage rooms, quietly accumulating dust – and risk. As storage media age, the technology needed to access them often becomes obsolete. When you can no longer see what’s on it, it’s easy to assume it’s harmless – and simply throw it away.
Why deleting files isn’t enough
Simply deleting files or formatting a hard drive does not permanently remove the information. In many cases, specialist software can recover data long after it appears erased.
That data could include:
- Customer information
- Employee records
- Financial documents
- Contracts
- Emails
- Intellectual property
- Commercially sensitive information
If these devices are disposed of incorrectly, they could become a valuable source of information for fraudsters or identity thieves. Secure destruction helps eliminate that risk and supports your obligations under data protection legislation.
Don’t assume old means harmless
One of the biggest risks with old media is that people simply forget what’s on it. Ironically, the oldest devices often contain the most sensitive information.
Maybe it’s a hard drive from an office computer replaced eight years ago. A box of backup tapes that’s been sitting in the loft since the last IT upgrade. Or a handful of floppy disks that nobody can even open anymore because the computers to read them no longer exist. When you can’t access the data yourself, it’s easy to assume nobody else can either.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Specialist equipment can often recover information from old storage media, even when it’s decades old. Those forgotten devices could still contain payroll records, customer databases, contracts, photographs, passwords or commercially sensitive information. Thrown into general waste, they can become an unexpected source of valuable data for criminals. The safest approach is to assume that every storage device contains confidential information unless you know for certain it doesn’t.
That’s where professional media destruction comes in.
The safest way to dispose of old media
Whether you have a single hard drive or a storeroom full of obsolete media, SMB Records Management can securely destroy a wide range of electronic media, including hard drives, CDs, DVDs, mobile phones, laptops and other IT equipment. We handle items through a secure chain of custody before destroying them in accordance with recognised standards, giving you complete peace of mind. A Certificate of Destruction provides evidence that the media has been securely disposed of, supporting your compliance and audit requirements.
Get in touch with us today on 01732 668044. We’re happy to help.
