Data Security
Data security is a topical issue and there have been a number of high profile cases that have brought the risk to the public's mind.
The loss or misuse of sensitive data is potentially extremely damaging not only for our customers but also for BTR. As a result, the safe and secure management, handling and eradication of data is the primary priority for any data bearing products we receive from point of collection to final reporting.
Data erasure at BTR is undertaken in a number of different ways – each designed to meet the needs of different customers and to ensure the best possible protection.
Software Data Erasure
The use of a software data erasure tool permanently and securely removes data but preserves the integrity of the Hard Disk allowing resale of hardware should the customer choose. BTR use the most secure software data erasure product, Blancco.
If technical problems with the machine in which the data bearing media is installed cause it to fail then the data bearing item(s) (usually hard disks) is removed for individual data eradication as above.
Physical Data Destruction
Physical data destruction is effected when the customer chooses or as a safeguard when the data bearing item itself fails. In this case the offending Hard Disk Drive, or other data bearing item is physically destroyed to ensure permanent eradication of the data.
Degaussing
All other magnetic data bearing media, such as tapes and Floppy Disk Drives that are unsuitable for software or physical destruction have their data purged using a Government approved degaussing machine.
The BTR Peace of Mind
BTR's policy with regard to data handing is as follows:
- All data is removed from equipment in a controlled, 'clean room' environment.
- All data erasure is supported by a 'Certificate of Data Destruction'.
- All equipment containing data is physically separated from equipment that does not contain data through processing.
- Should malfunction prevent the eradication of data from media installed in that equipment then the data bearing component is removed and subjected to manual destruction.
- Any data bearing components that themselves malfunction are physically destroyed.
- All automatic, manual or physical data eradication processes are adjacent to each other.
- All BTR staff with access to customer data have been security cleared allowing us to undertake contracts where data may be of a highly sensitive nature.
- All staff are specifically trained to understand the critical nature of this part of BTR's processes.
Our Insurance is Your Guarantee
BTR's policies and procedures are designed to ensure the most secure handling of data at all times. However, where the service provided to the customer includes a detailed list of all assets then that customer will benefit from the added security and peace of mind that comes with our Professional Indemnity Insurance. This insurance underwrites claims for damages as a result of negligence under the Data Protection Act.
