Every day, more and more companies are migrating their business data to the cloud. There are many reasons to make the digital transition: data optimization, information accessibility, remote collaboration, improved security, compliance, or simply freeing up physical space, just to name a few.
If you’re thinking about making the switch, you’ll need a plan that prioritizes the security of your company’s and your clients’ private information. To avoid any data breaches, assign tasks so that there is a clear chain of custody for legacy files or data storage devices.
Here are 4 steps to consider when making the transition:
- Categorize legacy records and decide what needs to be kept and what can be discarded.This process can be tedious, but it is important to be thorough to avoid commingling important files with ones that can be discarded or retaining duplicate or outdated versions of documents.
- Scan and import legacy records in the appropriate format to store in the cloud.
- Transfer data from outdated storage devices. Ensure data is uploaded in a format that will be accessible in the cloud.
- When you have verified that all data has been uploaded, it’s time to dispose of all legacy files and outdated storage devices you no longer need.
The last step is the most critical part of your data migration plan. If not properly executed, your business or organization could be exposed to a data breach and compromise sensitive data.
Data-storing assets like servers, laptops, desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones might still contain private information regardless of being erased or re-formatted. This “e-waste” must be destroyed completely by professionals who will use the proper equipment to render the assets unusable and inaccessible. There are also compliance and environmental issues to consider when discarding electronic waste. Improper handling not only creates a data breach risk, it could also cause harm to the environment or lead to large fines from federal regulatory agencies like OSHA and the EPA, in addition to state and local agencies.
While it is possible to shred your legacy files internally, there are many stories of data breaches due to human error like the incident of several hundred private legal case files being found in a Georgia landfill. It can also be very time consuming for your employees if you have a large amount of files to shred. Hiring a professional shredding and e-waste destruction company will solve most of these issues; but with so many to choose from, making the smart choice is not always easy.
Marshall Shredding’s number one priority is keeping your data safe and secure.
- We support your records management retention policy.
- We offer on-site shredding and e-waste destruction for your convenience.
- We provide video monitoring of the destruction process from beginning to end.
- We follow all federal, state, local compliance guidelines from regulatory agencies.
- We are fully insured for your protection.
- We have a Triple-A certification from the NAID, the highest rating they give.
- We are environmental advocates and recycle 100% of the paper we shred, and our e-waste disposal process reduces your carbon footprint.
Marshall Shredding wants to be a part of your digital transition. Call us at 1-866-487-4733 for a quote or answer our questions for a free quote now.
