Top 6 Myths About IT Asset Disposal – Debunked
Hard drive destruction is an essential part of modern data lifecycle management. Yet for many businesses, outdated beliefs and misinformation often lead to security blind spots. These missteps can expose organisations to data breaches, non-compliance penalties, and reputational damage. At DSA Connect, we work with companies of all sizes to ensure they meet both regulatory obligations and industry best practices. Here are six of the most common misconceptions about secure data destruction – and what your business needs to know.
Myth 1: Deleting Files or Moving Them to the Trash Is Enough
The Truth: Deleting files simply removes the system’s reference to the data, it does not remove the data itself. This creates a major risk for businesses that resell, recycle, or store legacy devices. Until the storage space is overwritten, deleted files can often be recovered with low-cost software tools. Think of it as tearing out a page number, but leaving the page in the book.
Myth 2: Formatting a Hard Drive Wipes It Clean
The Truth: Formatting clears the directory table, not the data itself. This gives a false sense of security and leaves businesses vulnerable to information leaks, especially when decommissioning large volumes of equipment. A proper sanitisation or destruction process is essential to mitigate this risk.
Myth 3: A Factory Reset Removes All Data
The Truth: Factory resets are designed to make devices look clean for resale, not to meet corporate data protection standards. In regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, and legal services, this is especially inadequate. Devices that undergo only a factory reset can still contain recoverable customer, employee, or financial data.
Myth 4: Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Aren’t Targeted
The Truth: Many small and medium-sized Enterprises believe cybercriminals only go after big businesses. In reality, attackers often target smaller organisations, knowing they may lack robust data governance or internal ITAD processes. Whether you’re a 10-person team or 1,000+, if you handle sensitive data, you’re a potential target.
Myth 5: Data Destruction Services Are Too Expensive or Time-Consuming
The Truth: Business leaders often weigh cost over risk, but the financial and legal impact of a breach far outweighs the investment in certified data destruction. B2B data disposal providers like DSA Connect deliver scalable, efficient services with minimal business disruption.
Myth 6: Drilling or Smashing a Drive Is Sufficient
The Truth: Internal IT teams may attempt DIY physical destruction, assuming it’s a quick fix. But partial destruction leaves data recoverable, and creates e-waste and health risks that violate compliance standards like WEEE and GDPR. Certified destruction ensures full traceability, environmental compliance, and security from end to end.
Why Choose DSA Connect for Data Destruction?
DSA Connect delivers certified, secure data destruction and IT asset disposal for businesses and public sector organisations. Using trusted methods like Blancco (NCSC-recommended), degaussing, and granulation to 6mm, we ensure your data is irretrievably destroyed, with full certification and audit trails provided.
We offer on-site and off-site services, full asset auditing, and a revenue share model for reusable IT equipment. Whether you’re handling a few devices or a full-scale IT refresh, we provide scalable, compliant, and environmentally responsible solutions, with total transparency at every step.
By partnering with DSA Connect, organisations can embrace Green IT practices that align with their ESG goals while ensuring complete data security. As businesses face increasing scrutiny over their environmental impact, adopting a secure and sustainable IT disposal strategy is no longer optional; it is essential.
Contact Hannah, our ESG & Sustainability Relationship Manager, at h.foggo@dsa-connect.co.uk to learn more about our sustainable IT disposal solutions. Let’s work together to build a greener, more secure future.
