Vendor Selection

Most companies have a mix of data bearing devices.  Select a data destruction vendor who offers a range of services to accommodate:

• Small and large volumes of data bearing devices
• Loose and in-machine hard drives
• Backup tapes
• Secure hard drive destruction – including hard drive destruction services for magnetic and solid state hard drives
• Solid state drives and media
• Storage area networks (SANs) and storage arrays
• Optical storage devices (CDs and DVDs)
• SLS offers a range of data destruction services to facilitate reuse, resell or destruction of hard drives. Our hard drive destruction services and equipment enable us to support small and large data destruction projects at our clients’ location or at one of our processing facilities.

In addition to the actual data destruction methods, it is also important that a vendor can provide expert guidance on how to destroy digital data.  A well-informed vendor will ensure data is destroyed in the most cost-effective manner while meeting your data security requirements.

• We encourage you to talk to one of our Data Destruction Advisors to discuss your current situation, your data privacy policies, the type and volume of storage device, whether they are loose or in-machine and whether you choose to reuse or recycle the equipment.  SLS can develop a secure and cost-effective solution, tailored to your specific situation.

Check that your selected vendor has documented policies that cover employee training on the use and calibration of data destruction equipment and software. Recognize the data destruction process is only as good as the technicians performing it.

• At SLS we are accustomed to handling all levels of data security requirements therefore you can be assured that we will help you choose the most suitable and secure method of data destruction which meets your business needs.

The importance of a standardized and documented process cannot be overstated. Questions about data breaches from retired IT assets seldom surface immediately.  If a stray hard drive with data is discovered 5 years down the road, the key to minimizing liability will be your ability to demonstrate that your company took prudent precautions when the asset was retired and disposed.

• SLS uses clearly defined processes, guided by industry and government standards to make certain all digital data is destroyed and that no storage device is skipped during the process. Our audited processes provide peace of mind, accountability and assurance that your company’s privacy and corporate reputation remain intact when managing your end of life IT assets.

Observe first-hand the physical security measures in place at a vendor facility where data will be destroyed and confirm that employees have been background checked and drug screened. A site visit of the facility can be an important step in verifying your assets and data will be securely managed.

• SLS processing facilities are access controlled and monitored, ensuring maximum protection of your data bearing assets prior to destruction. All assets are stored and secured until processing begins. Security measures implemented at all SRS facilities include physical barriers, intrusion alarm systems, CCTV surveillance, limited access and locked areas, strict visitor controls, secured storage, 24/7 security guards, metal detectors, strategic lighting, and alarmed peripheral exits. Background checks are done on all new employees and IT security protocols are in place to protect client assets.

Being able to produce documented processes and proof that these processes were consistently followed will be important deciding factors should your operations be audited.  Certificates of data destruction and consistent documented audit trails are important proof points. Regardless of the method of data destruction, request certificates of data destruction to demonstrate that all data is destroyed.

At SLS, all items received for data destruction are tracked via our online inventory module which is accessible to clients via the Sims Portal. Clients are able to track, monitor and create reports on the status of data bearing assets. Certificates of Data Destruction can be provided, regardless of the destruction service provided – data erasure, on-site destruction, witnessed destruction or plant recycling.

There are specialized risks in managing the disposition of end of life electronics for businesses, including environmental and data security risks.  Be sure your selected vendor offers protection for you in case your electronics are mishandled.

• SLS offers our clients an added layer of protection by carrying specialized pollution liability and cyber security insurance. We maintain this insurance to demonstrate our commitment to protecting the interests of our clients and responsibly managing their retired assets.

Choose a vendor who manages services in-house. A company that is able to provide a complete range of processing services eliminates reliance on partners to process an organization’s retired electronics, which improves accountability and streamlines reporting.

• SLS offers comprehensive capabilities in supporting a wide range of electronics recycling services and IT asset disposition.  We offer data destruction services for a wide range of storage devices and provide these services at your location and also at our processing facilities.