Secure Data Sanitization Becomes First in Nation to Deliver Secure Erase Mobile Data Security Solution

November 28, 2011

Tools

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare serves as successful test site for units

BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Secure Data Sanitization (SDS) became the first data security solution company in the country to successfully take its “Secure Erase” program on the road. The first mobile processing units in the nation were tested earlier this month at no cost on outdated computer systems at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW). The test was 100-percent effective in permanently erasing the hard drives and resetting them to the original manufacturer’s settings.

“This is truly a breakthrough in the world of data security solutions,” said Molli Wingert, founder and president of SDS. “Everyone operating a computer stores valuable information on it, which places them and/or their company at considerable risk if that data were to fall into the wrong hands. The risk of identity theft, fines and lawsuits are exponential in today’s fast-paced digital age.”

The newly unveiled mobile units are capable of traveling anywhere in the world to assist companies with the secure removal, retirement and certified data sanitization or destruction of old computer hard drives.

When permanently removing data from old machines, SDS mobile units initiate the “secure erase” program, also known as “electronic data shredding.” The process permanently erases hard drives, resets them to original manufacturer’s settings and provides proof reports.

Secure erase is distinctly different from the popularly utilized “DOD wipe” which overwrites hard drive information and has a failure rate of up to 25-percent.

News of the mobile units has created a buzz among industries which electronically store large amounts of sensitive information. SDS has already signed contracts with international corporations to provide hard drive security services at sites around the world.

DHW became the first organization to utilize the company’s on-site mobile data sanitization services to clean the hard drives of 175 outdated computers before they could be donated to Idaho charity, Computers for Kids.

“In order to meet federal rules and regulations regarding HIPAA, IRS and SSA data, it is imperative that we have a secure and sound process for eliminating data from our computer systems prior to donation or destruction,” said Michael Farley, information technology administrator for DHW. “Being able to have hard drives securely erased or destroyed on site is important because it offers us one more layer of protection.”

Companies in violation of federal rules and regulations could face millions of dollars in fines, lawsuits and clean-up costs. SDS offers Certificates of Sanitization and Destruction, printed on-site, which guarantee compliance with state and federal laws. These certificates are backed by a $2 million insurance policy.

More information about people and companies is being stored on systems at companies around the globe than at any other time in history. The Identity Theft Resource Center reports a 69-percent increase in data breaches reported in 2009 than 2008.

“Retiring an old system is definitely a complicated matter,” Wingert said. “I don’t think a lot of people fully comprehend the risk they face when old computers are stock piled in a closet or donated to a charity. Unless you have used ‘Secure Erase’ technology – which is what we use at SDS – you have left valuable information at risk of criminal activity.”

SDS provides services for business and individuals requiring the highest level of diligence in hard drive sanitization. The company’s comprehensive, tightly controlled process covers everything from data security to recycling and refurbishing. Their processes help protect businesses from legal and environmental risk associated with IT asset retirement and recycling. It is the only fully auditable and monitored electronic data sanitization service in the northwest. SDS gives companies the option to remarket old systems or donate them to the non-profit organization Computers for Kids, which may provide tax benefits.

For more information about Secure Data Sanitization, visit www.securedatasanitization.com or call 208-362-7703.