Data security has hit the big league – it’s no longer just front of mind for the IT team, it sits on the desk of the Chief Executive and the Board. There’s public interest and attention from investors and journalists. Data leaks make headlines and take Twitter by storm.
It’s no wonder that our research shows that data security is both a top priority and a top challenge for businesses. In fact, 56% of organisations say data security and a full audit trail for disposed devices is their top priority, while 41% say data security is their biggest IT asset disposal challenge.
But how many realise that IT procurement and the way enterprise technology is purchased, can affect an organisation’s ability to maintain strict data security standards?
By acquiring devices through a Technology Lifecycle Management model organisations kick-start an IT asset management process that is more secure and sustainable. We take data protection very seriously during device acquisition, in-life management and IT asset disposal.
Here’s how your organisation could be more secure with Technology Lifecycle Management:
- Start the IT asset lifecycle with a complete and secure record
When our Technology Lifecycle Management customers acquire new devices, we include free access to our IT asset management platform, which provides visibility and control of all devices. At the point of device procurement, we take responsibility for uploading all asset details on to the IT asset management platform, so there is a complete and central view from the outset. Creating and updating an asset register can be a huge burden for an IT team but failing to keep up to date records can lead to a data security disaster. That’s why we make sure we have this covered from the outset.
- Know where devices are and keep them up to date
When a business buys IT outright the burden is on the IT team to implement and manage data protection systems, processes and updates. This often becomes more challenging and time consuming as new devices are added to the network over time. Knowing where devices are and that they are compliant is a key data security measure, a task that’s greatly simplified by having all device data held in one centralised place. Our IT asset management platform provides access to real-time information on all devices, so issues can be flagged and resolved quickly and seamlessly.
- Automate the secure disposal of devices at contract end
Traditional cash ownership of IT devices also places a heavy responsibility on businesses at the end of the IT asset lifecycle. But with Technology Lifecycle Management, when it’s time to upgrade, our IT asset management platform triggers the renewal process, as it holds key data elements such as contract start and finish dates. We securely collect and transport used devices to our refurbishing centres, where they undergo a comprehensive, certified data erasure process. Every device is tagged with a unique ID and tracked as it goes through the refurbishing process. We use best in class data sanitisation software to erase and overwrite data and an automatic data erasure report is created for every device, providing a complete audit trail.
- Find a secure home for old and redundant IT
Every organisation has used and unwanted IT equipment lying around. But when old, data bearing devices are stored in an office environment for any period of time prior to data sanitisation, they represent a data securityrisk. With our REstepIT service, we turn risk into opportunity, by placing a value on old and unwanted IT. We like to see our customers using this additional cash flow to fund much-needed digital transformation projects or to pursue sustainability goals, while we take care of the end-of-life security management. It’s simple, secure IT asset disposal, without the hassle.
We’re calling on businesses to Stop Buying IT and start adopting a more secure approach to IT asset management today.
Want to know more about our secure and sustainable Technology Lifecycle Management service? Contact us or watch our Stop Buying IT video.
