Insights from Blancco’s Forslund and Uenuma on Data Sanitization Security Concerns
Businesses globally are facing significant risks from data breaches that stem from inadequate disposal methods of IT assets. Sensitive information remains exposed on defunct devices due to subpar sanitization protocols. In a preview of an upcoming webinar, Fredrik Forslund and Maurice Uenuma of Blancco Technology Group shed light on critical vulnerabilities inherent in current data sanitization practices.
Recent research indicates that organizations are grappling with data leaks attributed to mishandling of information and the disposal of outdated devices. Uenuma emphasizes that industry standards exist to permanently safeguard even the most sensitive data, presenting opportunities for valuable reuse rather than contributing to waste. Yet, he notes a troubling trend: “A significant percentage of these end-of-life devices end up discarded or shredded when there are viable alternatives for reuse and recycling,” he states.
Successful data sanitization mandates that organizations oversee the entire process rather than resorting to haphazard disposal methods. Forslund remarks, “Data sanitization encompasses numerous definitions, but it ultimately involves control. When organizations are in charge, they dictate the timing and can enhance security measures surrounding the process. Grasping the nuances of data sanitization and its implementation is vital.”
In a video interview with Information Security Media Group, Forslund and Uenuma discussed how data breaches occur due to improper handling of end-of-life assets. They highlighted the importance of emerging technical standards for data protection and outlined what global enterprises need to know about contemporary sanitization practices.
The full discussion underscores essential strategies for organizations to fortify their data sanitization protocols and avert breaches during asset disposal. Business owners are encouraged to participate in the live masterclass to gain deeper insights.
Forslund brings over two decades of expertise in IT security, having led Blancco’s data center and cloud erasure initiatives and established SafeIT, a firm specializing in encryption and selective data erasure. His commitment to optimizing corporate IT security efficiency while adhering to data privacy regulations has positioned him as a thought leader among clients and industry peers.
Uenuma collaborates with a diverse team to address the privacy, security, and sustainability requirements specific to government agencies and corporations. His professional insights have been featured in respected publications such as Dark Reading and Help Net Security. With leadership experience across several global tech firms and as a co-chair for NIST’s Cybersecurity Education initiative, Uenuma’s credentials are reinforced by his background as a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and GIAC-certified Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP).
