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Effective management of hardware, software, and data assets is essential to protect your organization’s sensitive information. In this lesson, we review the best practices for asset management, covering secure data disposal methods, proper decommissioning techniques, and the implementation of a robust data retention policy.

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Data Sanitization

Data sanitization is the process of completely erasing data from a storage device before it is disposed of or repurposed. Often, files on hard drives appear to be deleted but can be recovered using specialized tools if not properly sanitized. The standard sanitization process involves overwriting existing data with random bits (ones and zeros), making it virtually impossible to retrieve the original information.
The image illustrates the process of data disposal and decommissioning, showing how deleted data can be recovered, the sanitization process of overwriting data, and the result of securely sanitized data that is impossible to recover.
Ensure that your data sanitization practices comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements to mitigate risks related to data leaks.

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Data Destruction

In contrast to data sanitization, data destruction permanently damages the storage hardware to prevent any possibility of data recovery. Physical destruction methods, such as using a hammer to smash the hard drive, are employed when maximum security is needed and the device must be rendered entirely unusable.
The image illustrates the concept of "Disposal and Decommissioning" with an icon of a hammer smashing a hard drive, labeled "Destruction," highlighting the physical damage to make the drive unusable.
Physical destruction should only be used when data sensitivity is extremely high, as the device becomes irrecoverable and cannot be repurposed or recycled.

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Establishing a Data Retention Policy

A comprehensive data retention policy is a cornerstone of effective asset management. This policy clearly defines how long data should be retained and specifies the conditions under which it should be securely deleted. For instance, organizations may be legally required to store customer transaction records for a predetermined period before disposing of them securely.
The image is about "Disposal and Decommissioning" with a focus on "Data Retention," featuring an icon of a padlock and a clock. It explains the rules for how long data should be kept and when it should be deleted.
Implementing these best practices not only helps protect your assets but also ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, thereby strengthening your overall security operations.

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