The Importance of Certified Data Erasure in Protecting Your Data

More and more data is being created and stored at an unprecedented rate. By 2025, the global amount of data is expected to reach 175 zettabytes, according to IDC and Statista even projects 180 Zettabytes. As companies collect more information, it becomes more critical to manage and dispose of data securely, especially when it is no longer needed. This is where certified data disposal comes in.

What Is Data Erasure?

Data erasure is the process of permanently erasing data from storage devices so that it cannot be recovered. It is important to note that simply deleting files, going to factory settings or formatting a drive is not enough, as this data can still be recovered by someone with the right resources. Certified data erasure ensures that all data is completely erased and cannot be recovered.

Why Is Certified Data Erasure Important?

The main reason certified data erasure is so crucial is to protect sensitive information. If old data, such as customer details, financial records, or confidential company information isn’t properly erased, it can fall into the wrong hands. This can lead to data breaches, which are not only costly but can also damage a company’s reputation.

A study by IBM Security revealed that the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million, highlighting the financial impact that can arise from poor data protection. Implementing certified data erasure procedures can significantly reduce the risk of such breaches by ensuring that data is completely and permanently removed.

The Risks of Insufficient Data Erasure

Failing to properly erase data can expose your organization to several serious risks:

• Data Breaches: If data isn’t fully erased, it can be recovered and stolen, leading to breaches that can cost companies millions in fines and lost business.
• Regulatory Fines: Laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe require companies to securely erase personal data when it’s no longer needed. Not doing so can result in hefty fines.
• Reputation Damage: A data breach has the potential to significantly harm a company’s reputation. Customers and clients have a right to expect that their information will be handled with the highest levels of security, and any breach may result in a loss of trust.

The Importance of Certification in Data Erasure Solutions

In today’s digital world, securely and permanently erasing sensitive data is critical. However, not all data erasure solutions are created equal. The term “certified” should be used carefully, and only when certain conditions are met. Certified solutions are those that have undergone rigorous assessments and have been formally approved by recognized organizations, ensuring they meet specific security and performance standards.

When Can You Use the Term “Certified”?

To call a data erasure solution certified, it must:

• Undergo Independent Testing: The solution must be tested and evaluated by expert teams that simulate various attack methods to ensure it can effectively erase data beyond recovery.
• Receive Formal Approval: Certification is only granted by recognized government agencies or independent organizations that evaluate the software against stringent criteria.
• Comply with Established Standards: Certified solutions are those that meet well-established standards such as ISO 15408, NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1, and IEEE 2883:2022, which provide guidelines for secure data sanitization.

Common Certifications in Data Erasure

• Common Criteria (ISO 15408): An internationally recognized certification for IT security, Common Criteria certification ensures that a product has been thoroughly tested for security vulnerabilities.
• ADISA Certification: This standard focuses on the secure disposal of data and includes rigorous forensic testing to ensure that erased data cannot be retrieved.
• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): Certification under schemes like the NCSC’s CPA scheme demonstrates a product’s ability to meet government security standards for data erasure.
• Hunguard Certification: This ensures compliance with ISO standards for data security, confirming that a product meets high-level assurance levels.

Accreditation and Compliance: Additional Layers of Trust

While certifications are crucial, accreditations and compliance with global standards further enhance the credibility of data erasure solutions. Accreditation from organizations like NATO or national security authorities may not involve a certification process, but they show that the solution is trusted by leading institutions.

Compliance with global data privacy regulations, such as GDPR in Europe or HIPAA in the United States, ensures that certified solutions also respect legal requirements for secure data management.

How to Implement Effective Data Erasure

Here are a few steps companies can take to ensure they are properly erasing data:

• Assess Your Data: The initial step is to gain an understanding of the data you have, where it is stored, and what needs to be erased.
• Choose a Certified Solution: Use a certified data erasure software that meets your needs and complies with the necessary regulations.
• Set Up Clear Policies: It is important to establish clear and consistent policies for the erasure of data, and to ensure that they are followed throughout the organization.
• Train Your Staff: Equip your team with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform data erasure correctly. Consider training your staff to become certified data erasure professionals. For instance, Certus offers a training program that certifies data erasure engineers, ensuring they are experienced in the latest tools, techniques, and compliance requirements.
• Regular Audits: Regularly audit your data erasure practices to ensure they are effective and compliant with the latest regulations.

Looking ahead

As the amount of data within companies grows, it’s more important than ever to make sure it’s properly and securely erased. Certified data erasure solutions are a great way to keep sensitive information safe, reduce the risk of data breaches, and make sure you’re compliant with data protection laws. Taking the right steps to securely erase data is a simple and easy way for companies to protect themselves and their customers from the potentially devastating effects of data breaches.

Need expert support to ensure your data is securely and compliantly erased? We at Certus Software are here to help. Find more information about our software and service at: Certus.Software!