Business PickupIT asset disposition (ITAD) encompasses the secure disposal of all workplace devices. While servers, laptops, and storage devices often get the greatest level of attention, network gear such as switches, routers, and firewalls also store sensitive data and may pose an underrated risk. Here, we’re highlighting the critical nature of secure ITAD for network components, and what you can do to mitigate risks in your organization.
Data security considerations for network gear
Network gear poses unique risks and thus calls for a unique approach to decommissioning. Some of the most notable threats include:
- Embedded data: Network equipment retains IP configurations, admin credentials, VPN keys, and routing tables.
- Security exposure: Devices that get into the wrong hands can be exploited by bad actors looking to gain access to your business’s networks.
- Regulatory implications: If your business falls under HIPAA, GDPR, or other regulatory frameworks, you could face fines and penalties should data become exposed.
Alarmingly, many companies overlook these risks, leaving their data vulnerable to breaches. In 2023, cybersecurity company ESET revealed that more than half of the routers they purchased from secondary market vendors still had a wealth of sensitive information on them, from customer data to credentials for connecting to other business networks.
Best practices for secure disposition of network gear
Fortunately, threats related to network gear can be mitigated with a proven ITAD process that prioritizes data security.
Inventory and classification
As you plan your disposition project, be sure to include all network assets across every business location, such as:
- Routers
- Switches
- Network access control (NAC) appliances
- Network attached storage (NAS) devices
- Servers
- Specialized network hardware
- Security devices (such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems)
- Print/copy servers
Recruit IT teams to categorize each device by sensitivity and age, which may help to prioritize handling.
Data sanitization and wiping
Next, make sure to work with an ITAD partner who performs data wiping that conforms with the latest NIST guidelines — the gold standard for data erasure standards. Prior to handing devices over to your ITAD partner, confirm that they have been reset to factory default settings. Verify the removal of configurations, routing tables, and access logs. Lastly, unplug any devices prior to their arrival. Depending on your business’s location, industry, and the nature of data on network devices, physical shredding may be needed.
Chain of custody and documentation
For audits and compliance purposes, maintain records of the following processes for each network device:
- Collection
- Wiping
- Destruction
- Final disposition
Certificates of destruction and data erasure safeguard your company against the threat of data breaches and the many implications that come with them — including reputational damage, steep legal fees, and regulatory fines that can soar into the multimillions.
Value recovery
While it may not be a priority from a data security standpoint, many switches and routers do retain secondary market value. Depending on the age of your assets, you may be able to recover value on your retired network devices by having them refurbished and resold — which also offers environmental benefits by extending their lifespan.
No matter which type of network gear you need to decommission, Quantum is your trusted partner for ITAD services with the utmost degree of security. From NIST standards to NAID AAA certification, we uphold industry-leading practices that prioritize data security. Find out more about our proven approach to ITAD here.