Why You Need to Recycle More Hardware in Today’s Cloud World

Posted on

Jan 27th, 2016

Cloud Erasure Must Include Physical Servers

The majority of most business is done through cloud services and accounts that hold the reports, files, photos, and other things we need. When you’re done with a service or have ended a project, you might think you only need to delete your account to remove all of the information you were using and storing.

All of your data is still stored on physical servers associated with that cloud service. Deleting your account doesn’t automatically mean you delete the data from the server. Usually, you’re just deleting something that points to your data.

Think of it as removing the numbers from your home. Your house is still there, even though no one on the outside can be 100% certain they have the right address. But, if someone looks hard enough, they’ll still be able to find you inside.

Whenever you’re done with a cloud service or even just storage on a server, get verification that your information is completely gone. We’ve seen cases where virtual storage was used in project A, cleaned, and then used by in project B. If project B were to run a complete recovery on the space where the data was stored, they could potentially recover project A data if the cloud provider hadn’t properly cleared it.

Physical destruction is part of a smart data protection paradigm, and often that includes your servers and hard drives as well as the devices that access them.

What If You’re A Cloud Provider?

At Securis, we want to help promote a culture of complete security when it comes to data and hard drive destruction. For cloud service providers, that means you need to guarantee an extra step and ensure your customers do the same.

Start with a complete destruction of your servers and hardware, and then destroy whatever devices you have that could access these systems and may have latent information. However, destroying a device doesn’t mean you’re done. You need to erase what’s on the cloud and on devices, plus answer customer questions.

Your job is to deliver proof that the data is gone from your infrastructure. It’s always best to remove what you can off of Web and intranet portals, then follow up with physical destruction.

Securis can offer on-site and off-site data destruction services, which is a core part of any data cleanup. We can remove the IT assets you have and ensure that data from these is no longer available, but we recommend you work with any cloud partners to know where else data may be stored.

Together, we’ll keep your data safe and help you build stronger data protection policies.

Christopher Madeira
Director of Marketing
ITAD Communications & Strategy Expert
Snapshot / Quick Stats
- 15+ years of experience in marketing strategy, brand development, and communications
- Specialized in IT asset disposition (ITAD) messaging for compliance-driven industries
- Former leadership roles at The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and other respected publishers
- Key focus areas: Market Trends, Client Education, ITAD Compliance Messaging, Thought Leadership, SEO-Driven Strategy
Areas of Specialization
- Market Trends & Competitive Analysis – Tracks shifts in ITAD, resale, and sustainability markets to shape strategy and keep Securis ahead of industry developments.
- ITAD Compliance & Security Messaging – Crafts clear narratives that translate regulatory and data security requirements into approachable guidance for IT leaders.
- Client & Stakeholder Education – Builds educational resources and thought leadership content that empower clients to make informed ITAD decisions with confidence.
Professional Narrative (Career Journey)
Christopher Madeira is the Director of Marketing at Securis, where he shapes how the company communicates its mission of Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable IT Asset Disposition to regulated industries, government agencies, and enterprise clients. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, Christopher brings a unique perspective on how to bridge technical ITAD processes with clear, client-centered storytelling.
Before joining Securis, Christopher served in senior marketing roles across publishing and education organizations, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and Congressional Quarterly. These positions gave him deep expertise in shaping brand positioning, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering content that informs and engages decision-makers.
At Securis, Christopher drives marketing strategies that not only build awareness but also educate IT leaders on data security, compliance, and sustainability best practices. His work ensures that Securis remains a trusted voice in the ITAD industry, aligning brand authority with the company’s core differentiators: Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable services.
Quote
“Clear communication makes complex ITAD issues approachable for IT leaders.”
Thought Leadership & Recognition
Christopher is the author of numerous Securis blog articles on compliance, sustainability, and ITAD strategy. He has also developed content campaigns that help IT decision-makers understand the evolving landscape of secure data destruction, ESG reporting, and value recovery.
Personal
A strategist at heart, Christopher is passionate about helping organizations cut through the noise and understand the real risks — and opportunities — in ITAD. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys exploring D.C.’s history, traveling, connecting with his community, and aviation photography.
Trust & Transparency
Christopher ensures that every piece of Securis’ external communication is not only accurate but also aligned with the certifications and compliance standards that define the company’s reputation. His commitment to transparency reinforces Securis’ standing as a trusted partner for IT asset disposition.
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