The Hidden Cost of “Free” Data Disposal: How to Avoid a $155 Million Mistake
Sanitization is no laughing matter, as Morgan Stanley learned after a $35 million fine for selling hard drives with customer data. As Windows 10 support ends, the importance of proper data disposal is no joke. Whether wiping or destroying, the key is ensuring sensitive data doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.
Hot Take:
It turns out that “out of sight, out of mind” isn’t a good strategy for IT departments when it comes to disposing of old hardware. The ghost of data past might just come back to haunt you, and not in a friendly Casper way, but in a $155 million fine kind of way. Maybe it’s time to rethink that e-waste as merely “used” gold.
Key Points:
- Windows 10’s end of support is pushing IT departments to refresh hardware fleets.
- Improper disposal of old hardware with sensitive data can lead to hefty fines.
- Morgan Stanley was fined $155 million for mishandling data disposal.
- Sanitization services offer wiping, purging, and destruction of data.
- OEMs like Dell and HP offer recycling programs with financial incentives.
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