Artificial intelligence has the ability to do things faster and with a level of precision that most people cannot possibly hope to match. When used responsibly, it can be a helpful tool for a multitude of tasks, including recovering data and identifying breaches and threats before they happen.
While AI is extremely helpful at data recovery, you cannot ignore security or how to dispose of the computers and other electronic devices that are used. You can’t just give that unneeded equipment away. It must be disposed of properly and all data must be completely erased. AI is also a powerful tool for addressing missing data, but it’s also at risk of breaches, so it’s not a technology to take lightly.
How Is AI Used for Data Recovery?
So, how does AI-powered data recovery work? It starts with a command from an IT professional or business owner. Advanced automated systems begin collecting and analyzing information looking for patterns and concerning anomalies. As missing information is found, AI looks for the path to find where it is in order to recover it. While this could take a person days or weeks, AI can do it in minutes and continually check around the clock for problems that could create data loss.
AI can be set up to continually back up files and computers to make it easier to restore systems if there’s a disruption like a hack or data breach. This also eliminates the length of time that a breach can go undetected. It can detect an intrusion and follow protocol to minimize the threat right now instead of months or years later as has happened in many large breaches.
This advanced technology becomes more advantageous because of the speed and continual processing. A person needs to take a lunch break or a day off. AI works 24/7 and never needs a break. As it’s also processing massive amounts of information, it’s important to have security measures in place to protect the information it gathers.
The Value of Complete Data Erasure
Another area where AI-powered data recovery becomes useful is with data erasure. As software or other tools are used to erase data, you can use AI to double-check that all data is completely wiped from a device. If AI cannot find a path back to it, you know no one is going to be able to retrieve that data.
NAID AAA is one of the nation’s leading data security certifications. The certificate declares that the certificate holder complies with the highest standards for data destruction with its workers and destruction practices. When you’re choosing a provider, this is a certificate to look for. The reason why you need this is because not every company disposes of electronics responsibly.
If you’re recycling all of your servers and choose a company that shortcuts and sells your devices before wiping the data, you could end up learning that sensitive or proprietary information was stolen downstream. You think you did everything right, but you missed that NAID AAA certification recommendation and went with the cheapest company. Make sure you’re looking at certificates.
AI, Your Business, and Data Breaches
Last year, the medical industry experienced two huge breaches caused by improper disposal of films. More than 9,000 patients in Arkansas and Ohio were affected. While these were not computers or tablets, films also contain private information. Every business should have systems in place to track where things are and whether they’ve been destroyed yet.
The fines for improper disposal are high, so check these records often and take action if needed.
AI can detect the loss of data, but it can also be used by your IT department to ensure data leaks are not happening. On average, it takes companies just over 190 days to recognize that a data breach has happened and 64 days to contain it. With AI constantly checking, you avoid having that amount of time pass before workers uncover data leaks.
There’s another issue to consider if you do choose to use AI. Companies are embracing AI, but about one out of five companies have considered the security of the AI systems they select. This could open the door to breaches through AI. You’re gaining nothing.
Tips for Implementing AI-Driven Data Recovery and Disposal of Assets Responsibly
When you store information like credit cards, birthdays, addresses, SSNs, customer information, etc., it’s on you to ensure data privacy and legal compliance for keeping this information secure. The right AI-powered solution can constantly check and stop possible breaches.
That’s only part of it. You also need to do your part in complying with the laws. Don’t trust your electronic devices to anyone. You need to carefully research ITAD providers and make sure the company you choose meets any federal or state privacy rules your company is legally required to follow. If you’re not certain of the rules, you need to work with a company that knows and is easily able to meet them.
Keep a list of all the electronics you have to recycle. You need this inventory to track what has been processed and what’s tucked away somewhere. As items are recycled, make sure you receive a certificate of destruction to protect your company if a problem arises months or years from now.
Don’t put your old computers, tablets, and other components in storage until you’ve collected so many that you can’t ignore them. Make sure you have data destroyed and devices recycled promptly. Even the busiest company has time to place items in a box and send them to a secure data destruction and electronic recycling facility.
What you need is an expert in ITAD and electronic recycling. A certified ITAD company like ERI can destroy data and recycle over a billion pounds of electronics each year.
ERI is the largest ITAD service provider and recycler of e-waste in the United States. ERI is certified at the highest level by all leading environmental and data security oversight organizations to de-manufacture, recycle, and refurbish every type of electronic device in an environmentally responsible manner. ERI has the capacity to process more than a billion pounds of electronic waste annually at its eight certified locations, serving every zip code in the United States. ERI’s mission is to protect organizations, people and the environment. Learn more at eridirect.com