Media Handling and Data Sanitization

This question asks if your vendor has written procedures for handling physical storage devices (hard drives, USB drives, tapes) throughout their lifecycle - from when they're first used to when they're destroyed. This includes how they securely wipe data when repurposing equipment and completely destroy it when devices reach end-of-life.

Poor media handling is a hidden risk that can expose years of accumulated data. Proper procedures prevent data breaches from discarded or repurposed equipment, ensure compliance with data protection regulations, and protect against industrial espionage. This affects your regulatory compliance, customer trust, and competitive advantage - recovered data from improperly disposed devices can include everything from customer lists to trade secrets.

Many organizations focus on digital security but neglect physical media handling, having no process for tracking devices or ensuring proper destruction. Another common error is relying on third-party disposal services without verifying they actually follow secure destruction procedures.