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16.11.2009: Onsite Disk Wipe Combats Explosive Growth in Information Security Incidents

When sensitive Lockheed Martin missile data was found on eBay-listed computers earlier this year, companies around the world began to rethink how they retire information technology (IT) assets. In fact, in 2008 alone, more records were breached than the previous four years combined (i), while the cost per data breach rose to over $6.6 million, up from $4.7 million in 2006 (ii). The increasing risk of data breaches, coupled with the need for global data security standards compliance, is leading many companies to explore the merits of onsite data erasure, according to Blancco, the global leader in data erasure and end-of-lifecycle solutions.

"Costly data breaches jeopardize corporate compliance with key regulations - such as those in the payment card industry, those governing the Department of Defense, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act - leaving companies to search for foolproof ways to remove sensitive data from IT assets flagged for retirement or redeployment," said Markku Willgren, president of US operations for Blancco. "Rather than risk theft of sensitive data during transport to offsite erasure facilities, many companies are demanding onsite solutions to clean disks, whether through a third-party service or in-house personnel. In either case, Blancco's data erasure products provide the technology that best protects information."

ITADs Use Certified Software Tools to Wipe Hard Drives Onsite
Onsite data erasure offers point-to-point control for companies looking to remove data from IT assets. In fact, it is now considered an information security best practice to erase data onsite, even if it will later be removed by an offsite service provider. When looking for either onsite or offsite disk wipe services, it is critical for companies to choose a qualified and responsible third-party recycler or information technology asset disposition (ITAD) provider. According to Willgren, organizations should look for the following characteristics when selecting a third party for hard-drive cleaning:
• Software wiping tools that overwrite 100 percent of hard drives and provide detailed data erasure reports with asset serial numbers for compliance verification and asset tracking
• EPA-best practice physical disposal that adheres to a zero-landfill policy and Responsible Recycling (R2) standards
• International Standards Organization (ISO) compliance and transparent processes for disk wiping and disposal
• Full insurance from a qualified logistics carrier and ability to provide references
• Certificates of indemnification for data destruction and environmental disposition for all assets

Intechra, the world leader in IT disposition, relies on Blancco to deliver proven technology that exceeds global standards. "We chose to partner with Blancco for both onsite and offsite data destruction because it sets the gold standard for data erasure," said Jeff Neyland, CIO for Intechra. "Blancco technology supports multiple platforms and standards, helps to keep our clients current and compliant with regulatory policies for data destruction, and provides an audit-ready solution. No other product met our strict criteria for data security and compliance while maximizing the returns for our customers and minimizing risk."

Blancco's All-in-One Data Erasure Solution Ensures 100 Percent Clean Disks
Blancco Kit offers in-house IT staff and third-party onsite disk wipe providers a convenient, portable data destruction solution with auditable reports. Blancco's data erasure solutions adhere to all major government and military erasure standards, while their ability to erase all data - even on hidden and remapped sectors - meets Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), GLBA and other regulatory requirements. As the industry leader, Blancco's expertise ensures smooth integration of automated data erasure, hardware asset management and report collection for any organization.

For more information on Blancco's data erasure software solutions or the Blancco Kit, please visit http://www.blancco.com/en/products+services/blancco+kit/overview/

About Blancco
Blancco software is the proven data erasure solution for millions of users around the globe and is the industry's most certified erasure software. The company serves users across a wide range of industries, including banking, finance, government and defense, as well as IT asset disposal professionals. Blancco operates from an extensive network of international offices and partners across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australasia. More information is available at http://www.blancco.com.

(i) 2009 Verizon Business Data Breach Investigations Report
(ii) Ponemon Institute Fourth Annual US Cost of Data Breach Study