Data is one of the most powerful and valuable commodities to currently exist. From our personal identification information, to our bank account numbers and routing numbers, our cyber-footprint and identity are nearly priceless. Hence, why incorporating a data destruction strategy into your business is so crucial to having a secure and trustworthy business.
The act of data and technological destruction, however, needs to be done with an extraordinary amount of care and caution. Executed improperly, and these actions can have significantly dreadful results.
The mismanagement of personal information can lead to large-scale fraud or identity theft, embezzlement, or tax-fraud. Simultaneously, the improper disposal of technological equipment or machinery can lead to on-site disasters, massive health complications, and a series of other issues.
Data Destruction Responsibly with RIOS and NAID
In order to approach data destruction responsibly and to avoid breaches in security, or massive health-risks, two certifications have been developed.
These certifications represent industry standards and best practices when it comes to the management and disposal of aged technology, or data destruction. Implementing these standards, and seeking these certifications comes with a number of benefits.
RIOS (recycling industry operating standard) and NAID (national association for information destruction) carry different, but complimentary implications.
RIOS
The RIOS standards apply to electronic and equipment recyclers. These standards affect the organizations dedication to environmental, health and safety, and quality – all in a single management system. The RIOS system is the only system on the market to combine these priorities.
The RIOS system and standards help companies establish an environment of continuous improvement. In turn, employees feel more protected, safer on the job, and more empowered to make improvements to the work-flow when and where they can.
NAID
The National Association for Information Destruction, on the other hand, sets the industry standards for the data destruction industry. The differences between NAID and RIOS are important to note, as some organizations only need one, while others need to achieve certification in both.
While RIOS protects the physical, NAID aims to protect the inanimate and digital footprints we leave behind. In concert, implementing the standards of both RIOS and NAID will establish an elite and responsible system for recycling equipment, and properly destroying data.
Benefits of Data Destruction
There are many benefits to implementing both data destruction and electronic recycling principles into the core of an organization. For instance, these standards show consumers and partners a dedication to the environmental and local initiatives of the community.
Additionally, properly destroying data helps protect your organization against cyber threats, and protects your clients and partners information as well. Finally, these standards aim to build value into the organizations that achieve them. This value comes from establishing a culture of continual improvement, boosting operational efficiency, and reducing departmental costs.
All-in-all, implementing a responsible recycling and data destruction policy and procedure into your organization will be well worth the cost.
For more information on RIOS, NAID, or any other industry standard certification, visit Glacier Consulting today, and get in touch with a standards professional ready to go.
