Massachusetts firm adds "Electronic Extinction" to its line of services;offers PC Hard Drive and Medical Instrument Data Removal

Ever wonder where all that data goes that's stored on a computer's hard drive when the machine gets thrown out? Ever worry whether it can 'get into the wrong hands'? Ever wonder who can access that information, and how easily? Read about the newest technology that makes it impossible to have computer data get into the wrong hands, courtesy of Datasafe Information Security.

WEST BRIDGEWATER, MA, ISSUED JANUARY 17, 2003...Datasafe Information Security, the regions leading information security and document service firm, today unveiled a new service that addresses the growing issue of "what happens to the information on PC hard drives." Datasafe's proprietary "Electronic Extinction" program will securely destroy all information contained on both computers' hard drives as well as on medical instruments.

Both computer hard drives and medical instrument memory programs can be treated through a specialized type of shredding service that has been perfected by Datasafe and which shreds the metal of a hard drive into small aluminum particles that are less than 1" square. This technique is also applicable for cellular phones and is recommended when one phone is "retired" for one with a better calling plan.

In the past, upgrading equipment presented the major security problem of what to do with the old hard drives and instruments to prevent "prying eyes" from gaining the information stored there. In particular, the medical community and the high-tech firms have long wrestled with how to securely destroy information on a hard drive. A popular misconception is that "overwriting" on the program eliminates the original information. However, says Datasafe Information Security CEO Rick Carey, that is simply not true.

How can data be totally erased from a system? Although there are software programs designed to erase data, the technological advances also help those who are looking to illegally remove the information.

Like locking up the doors and file cabinets in a business or shredding old documents, electronic information must be kept and disposed of securely. A company would never think of leaving boxes of outdated confidential files on the curb for the trash collector to pick up, and this drove the need for them to find a way to purge electronic files from out-of-date hard drives. "A common misperception is that the act of over-writing data will protect it," said Rick Carey, CEO of Datasafe Information Security. He added, "It doesn't."

Carey explained that his company's proprietary shredding method reduces the metal in a computer's hard drive to the size of a "chicklet" piece of gum. "No one has found a way to get data out of this sized metal," said Carey, adding that it is the only secure method of hard drive destruction available.

Can also remove and dispose of computer boxes and monitors

In addition to shredding the information on the hard drives of computers and the memories of medical equipment and cellular phones, Datasafe Information Security has also implemented a program that allows for pickup and disposal of computer monitors and boxes, in accordance with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations.

Just as paper documents are reduced to harmless scrap by proper shredding, so will information on hard drives be turned to illegible material by this electronic process. From PCs to medical instruments, vital information will be swept clean, rendering stored information to bits of meaningless scribble. "In addition to the security aspects of this program, computer and medical equipment users need to remember that it is illegal to throw CRTs into landfills. Our service provides security and disposal options."

For a demonstration or to learn additional information, call 508-587-0900.

About Datasafe Information Security

Datasafe Information Security is a company that offers a full spectrum of information security services. Founded in 1990 by a former security consultant for Fidelity Investments, the firm consults with businesses for compliance with new privacy statutes imposed by the Gramm Leach Bliley (GLB) and the HIPAA regulations. In addition to secure document storage and records management, Datasafe Information Security also operates a full-service document destruction business that provides secure document destruction either at the client's site or at the firm's South Shore secure shredding facility.
Clients include banks, nursing homes, biotechnical companies, CPA firms, attorneys, retail operations, and a number of privacy-sensitive industries. Datasafe Information Security provides the security advantage" for document destruction, by offering serialized, secured containers for drop-off, an observation area if clients wish to witness the destruction of materials, and a detailed list of steps that assure total security and total document destruction. In addition, the firm offers the unique Partners in Protection" program for banks, financial investment firms and others in sensitive areas to assure clients of confidentiality and privacy. Datasafe requires all employees to undergo an extensive background screening before they are hired. Datasafe Information Security maintains corporate headquarters at 124 Turnpike Street, West Bridgewater, MA. For a no-obligation security consultation, or additional information on services provided by Datasafe, contact Rick Carey at 508-587-0900, or by e-mail, rick@destruction.com