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Improper Data Removal & Poor Enforcement of Data Retention Policies Create the 'Perfect Storm' for Data Breaches53 Percent of Global Organizations Use Two Common, But Unsuccessful Methods to Erase Active Files from Computers/Laptops, External Drives & Servers ATLANTA and LONDON, Sept. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Data breaches, such as those that struck Sony Pictures in 2014 and Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca in 2016, are a daily reality and wreak havoc on organizations. The use of improper data removal methods and the poor enforcement of data retention policies have created the 'perfect storm' for confidential, oftentimes sensitive data to be lost or stolen, according to the Delete vs. Erase: How Companies Wipe Active Files study released today by Blancco Technology Group. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151006/274522LOGO The study, which surveyed over 400 IT professionals in the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, China and India, indicates just how challenging and complicated it can be to permanently erase data. When asked how they wipe files from company-owned laptops and desktop computers, 31 percent reported dragging individual files to the Recycle Bin and 22 percent said they reformat the entire drive. Combined, that represents over half (53 percent) of global IT professionals who are using two common, but ineffective methods to erase data. Richard Stiennon, a former Gartner analyst and Chief Strategy Officer of Blancco Technology Group, cautions organizations against making such mistakes. "Over the last several years, we've worked with businesses in the finance, healthcare and government sectors to help them understand the need to permanently and verifiably erase data from IT equipment and devices. But while organizations may see the value of data remova when their equipment reaches end of life, they often overlook and dismiss the importance of erasing active files from desktop computers, laptops, external drives and servers. In doing so, they leave large volumes of sensitive, confidential and potentially compromising data exposed and vulnerable to loss or theft." Key findings from the study include:
Stiennon concludes, "With 2.5 quintillion bytes of data created every day, it's critical that data is safely erased when it's no longer needed, or when regulation demands its removal, as in the case of the EU GDPR. Only by controlling the metastasizing of data through secure data erasure, coupled with data retention policies, can organizations minimize the likelihood of data breaches." About Blancco Technology Group Blancco, a division of Blancco Technology Group, is the global de facto standard in certified data erasure. We provide thousands of organizations with an absolute line of defense against costly security breaches, as well as verification of regulatory compliance through a 100% tamper-proof audit trail. SmartChk, a division of Blancco Technology Group, is a global innovator in mobile asset diagnostics and business intelligence. We partner with our customers to improve their customers' experience by providing seamless solutions to test, diagnose and repair mobile assets. SmartChk provides world-class support, pre and post implementation, allowing our customers to derive measurable business results. Media Contacts: SAY Communications for Blancco Technology Group (Europe) The Hoffman Agency for Blancco Technology Group (APAC) Blancco Technology Group |