Author: ironcore

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing people get hired as entry level technicians or warehouse workers and advance to senior level managers,” says Dan Mattock, Executive Vice President of Sales at Securis reflecting on his 10 years with the company. “It’s been very inspiring to see various employees develop and grow over the years.”

As the old saying goes, a company is only as strong as the people it employs. Securis likes to think of itself as a smart, fun, dynamic place to work, so it is not surprising that someone like Dan Mattock has thrived at the company for the last 10 years. In celebrating his decade with Securis, Dan points to some of the ways – big and small – that the company has changed. When Dan started, Securis was known as PC Recycler. The name changed in 2012, and the company has grown since then as well.

As we have grown as a company, the company’s reputation has grown. We now service Fortune 500 companies and have partnered with several municipalities to handle their data destruction and shredding. It really speaks to the people who work here that we’ve grown the way we have.”

Prior to joining Securis, Dan helped found North Shore Design, a leading Washington DC-based custom building and remodeling company. As Director of Business Development, Dan helped lead the firm from its start-up concept to become a profitable, multi-million-dollar enterprise. Dan is also a certified LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate and is passionate about exploring and implementing sustainable business practices, which pursues in his role at Securis well into the future.

Congratulations, Dan, on helping to charter Securis’ success.

Securis is dedicated to its clients and to the communities that it serves. That was evident during an event in Broadlands, VA. During the event, Securis was able to collect and recycle 20,000 pounds of electronics and technology equipment from throughout the community. The Broadlands HOA’s technology committee and Boy Scout Troop 1154 from Eagle Ridge Middle School were also on-site to volunteer and help collect the electronics equipment.

Having the Boy Scouts volunteer is yet another example of how Securis tries to give back and empower the communities where it works. The event was one where the Boy Scouts learned valuable lessons of teamwork, organization, and customer service. For the Broadlands residents, it was an opportunity to clean out their homes and get rid of old and obsolete technology that they no longer use. By having Securis recycle the equipment, 20,000 pounds of electronics will be repurposed rather than tossed into a landfill.

While Securis has built its reputation on its corporate clients, it is always eager to organize community events such as the one held at Broadlands that was such a success. If you are interested in organizing a community collection event, please contact Dan Mattock at 703-436-1967. Based on the success of this event, next month Securis will be hosting a collection event for all of Loudoun County.

If the secret to real estate is “location, location, location,” then the secret for providing exemplary service to customers should be “local, local, local.” Being local, responsive, and available is one of the key reasons why Securis has become one of the leading data destruction companies servicing businesses throughout the Carolinas. Indeed, being ingrained in a region’s business community is why Securis is the trusted data destruction and recycling partner of some of the biggest and most well-known Carolina-based businesses.

North Carolina is home to some of the country’s most well-known banks, insurance companies and healthcare systems – many of which use Securis for their data destruction, shredding and recycling needs. Major trucking, logistics, manufacturing and research and development businesses also have a presence in the state. The one thing that all these industries have in common? They all have proprietary information and data that they need to dispose of properly.

That’s where Securis comes in. Companies in the Carolinas know that Securis is a trusted, local business that can be partner for the long-term. Says Pryor Davis, Securis North Carolina’s Vice President, “we’ve been with some of the big banks and health care systems for many years. Some of the hospitals we service require two or three pickups a week to make sure their data is destroyed properly. There’s a secure audit trail of everything we destroy for them. If we were a business that just came in and then left, we would never have been able to build these relationships and work with the companies that we do.”

While Securis is able to provide unparalleled customer service to businesses throughout the Carolinas, service alone is not the only thing that sets the company apart. “A business may call us up asking about paper shredding, which we don’t do. But then we start having a conversation about what we do do and how we’re the best at it,” says Mr. Davis. “Some companies come in and tell a business, ‘we can do your paper shredding but not your data destruction.’ We’re the opposite. We can do data destruction be it degaussing, hard drive shredding, or technology recycling. When we tell businesses this, it’s like a light goes off and we provide a service that they really need but maybe never really thought about.”

For many of the companies that work with Securis, there are strict data destruction, privacy, removal and inventory requirements. Securis is the trusted advisor to many of these businesses because of its strict protocols relating to data destruction as well as documentation. It is, in fact, Securis’ strict data destruction standards that sets it apart from its competition – not only the quality of the destruction, but also the standards it adheres to that ensures that data is destroyed to the highest standards.

“Data destruction is what we’re known for,” says Pryor Davis. “While we handle electronics recycling, too, we’ve built a pretty air tight reputation because of data destruction. We know that every job is different, every need is different and every business is looking for something a little different. We pride ourselves on being able to work with anybody. And since we’re in the backyard of a lot of the businesses in North and South Carolina, we can offer a highly competitive price because our transportation and hauling costs are that much lower.”

Remember back in the 80s and 90s the care, time, and effort it took to make a mixtape? Sure, the hard work was worth it to have all your favorite songs of the moment on one cassette. There were also the unfortunate instances when, in the middle of creating a mixtape, a person would accidentally erase some songs. All that work ruined and the mixtape creator would have to go back and try again. That is, essentially, what a degausser does – removes and disrupts data stored on a magnetic field.

A degausser is a machine that ensures the destruction of data by changing the magnetic domain where data is stored in many of today’s critical devices.

Degaussing is one of the best added steps to take before destroying or shredding a hard drive because it destroys the information contained on the drive before shredding. Aside from the hard drives in most of the devices used today, it also works on VHS tapes, cassettes, LTO and DLT tapes, and other magnetic storage devices. Degaussing will not work on optical storage devices like CDs.

How Degaussers Work

A degausser creates a controlled magnetic field that is used to erase information stored magnetically. All magnetic storage devices have an Oersted (Oe) rating that tests the coercivity of a device to determine the strength needed to properly erase the stored data.

The typical hard drive uses a circular flat piece of metal with an iron oxide or chromium dioxide coating to create and store information. Electrical pulses move through a coil in the head of the hard drive to magnetize part of the metal and position the coating to store information.

Degaussers disrupt the hard drive’s coating and removes the magnetic memory from it. This process destroys the data by randomizing  the data pattern that exists so none of the information can be retrieved.

A Degaussed Device

Once degaussed, many devices are still reusable. Generic magnetic storage devices like reel-to-reel tapes and VHS video cassettes are the most likely to be usable after degaussing. The downside is that these storage devices are so outdated that the cost savings to resume them are negligible.

Hard drives in servers, computers, laptops, tablets and other modern technologies are rendered unusable by the degaussing process. The shift in the magnetic field in these devices is permanent, which is ideal for data destruction.

Degausser Dictionary

Oersted

As mentioned above, all magnetic devices have an Oersted (Oe) rating. Oe is the measurement of a magnetic field in a vacuum. For modern tapes, the Oe rating is typically around 1,800 or higher. Hard drives, on the other hand, can easily reach 5,000 Oe. The Oe rating determines how strong of a degausser needed to destroy the stored data.

Coercivity

Coercivity is often used interchangeably with Oe because coercivity determines the strength of the magnetic field that must be applied to reduce a magnetic induction to zero – which is the point at which the data on hard drives is destroyed. The higher either Oe or coercivity, the stronger the degausser needed to ensure that the stored data has been destroyed permanently.

Do You Need to Degauss?

There are times when degaussing must be used – such as when handling any information that requires a clearance level such as “Classified” or “Top Secret.” Clearance-designated information must be deleted following disposal standards and procedures that include degaussing.

Degaussing is also highly recommended for HR companies, financial firms, companies with proprietary information, and anyone who stores health or personal customer information. Additionally, any business that collects or stores credit card or personally identifiable information on its employees or customers should seriously consider degaussing. It is the best way to ensure proper data destruction prior to a full hard drive shredding to guarantee sensitive data is not recoverable.

 

 

Securis gets a lot of questions about how to destroy a solid-state drive, and whether degaussing works to do so. It’s important to have a solution to securely destroy solid-state drives (SSDs) reaching the end of their lifecycle. Here’s what you need to know about how to destroy a solid-state drive, whether degaussing solid-state drives works, and how small the shredded particles need to be. These practices will become even more important as more and more companies choose to use SSDs.

Will a Degausser work to destroy SSD?

It’s not possible to destroy a solid-state drive using a degausser. A solid-state drive uses integrated circuit assemblies to store data, unlike traditional hard disk drives, and therefore is unaffected by degaussing. Degaussing is the absolute best way to destroy data on traditional hard drives as degaussing erases data by reducing or eliminating the unwanted magnetic field, but it will not work on data stored on circuits that have no magnetic field to erase. SSDs do not have a magnetic field, so degaussing solid-state drives does not work.

If you shred a solid-state drive, how small do shredded fragments need to be?

The fragment size of shredded solid-state drives is very important. Since degaussing solid-state drives doesn’t work, we must think of them as other types of electronic chips and circuits, meaning that the most effective way to destroy them is by shredding. We determined that the shred width (particle size) was critical to the success of destroying the small memory chips that make up an SSD. We found that a shred width of ½” or smaller is needed to break through the small memory chips and securely destroy all the stored data effectively.

Many standard industrial shredders, however, will only shred to 1” particle size. The result is that memory chips can slip through the hammers that shred the data, leaving sensitive information intact and retrievable. Since most on-site shredders are not up to the task, the choice for a business then becomes whether to invest in an expensive new piece of industrial equipment or partner with a company that knows how to destroy SSDs effectively and already has the requisite equipment to do so.

When destroying SSDs, awareness of the appropriate shred width distinction to break through the memory chips is crucial and can mean the difference between ensuring that sensitive data is properly destroyed or can still be retrieved.

What is Microshredding Technology?

As described above, it’s important for solid-state drives to be destroyed to smaller particle sizes than a traditional shredder is able to manage. Securis utilizes microshredding technology that grinds SSDs and other small data-containing devices into 2mm e-crumbs.

How can we track destroyed solid-state drives?

Inventory tracking is a vital part of data destruction. Management of IT assets throughout the entire lifecycle requires a leak-proof system that accounts for the location and status of each asset. This includes ensuring proper disposal and destruction of data and other sensitive information and technology. With an auditable, trackable, and indisputable inventory record of each destroyed SSD, liability and risk are greatly minimized and peace of mind that sensitive information has been properly destroyed is maximized. If you have sensitive data, assurance that it is gone for good with the correct documentation not only provides assurances that data is destroyed effectively but can also save you from damages in the event of a breach.

The rise in SSDs has sparked the need for innovation in responsible and secure disposal. Knowledge of best practices when it comes to the last 100 yards of an IT asset’s end-of-life is essential to managing risk. With solid-state drives, always make sure your in-house solution or current vendor is utilizing the correct shredder to guarantee physical destruction of the data. The emergence of solid-state drives is why Securis has invested in the necessary technology to dispose of them properly.

June’s employee of the month award was given to Lawrence Nicholson, a Securis warehouse worker in the disassembly division. Lawrence works hard and has fun while doing so, which is one of Securis’ core values. He is upbeat, courteous, and professional, and has great chemistry with the staff in the warehouse as well as staff in the front office. He exemplifies “helps first” — another of the company’s core values — by helping other departments as needed. Over the past few months, he’s done a great job helping the service team by going to job sites to shred hard drives and recycle retired IT assets.

According to Lawrence’s manager, Rida Ibrahim, “Lawrence is gaining a lot of experience, is extremely professional, and is always willing to help other Securis employees out. He’s a valuable member of the team and definitely deserves the employee of the month award.”

Lawrence is originally from Maryland and has been with Securis for almost one year. We asked him what his favorite hobby is and whether he’d like to share anything else. He said “My favorite hobby is football and playing with my kids. And I love this company, they are great people and great management and the best thing about Securis is that this is a diverse group. We treat each other fairly and we respect each other — I love it!!! I’m always happy. Finally, thank you to this company for giving me the employee of the month award, it shows that they really appreciate me and will never stop. God bless.”

Congratulations, Lawrence! Securis appreciates you!

Securis’ Core Values

1. Helps First – Put the team first
2. Fun – always have fun and make people laugh
3. Hungry – Have big goals and want to conquer the world
4. Humbly Confident – Be Humble, but be confident also
5. Work-Life Harmony – Both are important but must be in balance
6. Positive – have a positive attitude
7. Innovative – Nothing’s carved in stone, Question Everything, Look for new ways

Securis’ data destruction and electronics recycling facility in Hampton Roads, Virginia provides ongoing recycling services for the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) at New Kent. Their combined dedication to responsible recycling keeps 3,000 pounds of CRT and LCD televisions out of landfills every two weeks. That’s 78, 000 pounds each year.

Recently, the two companies teamed up for their semi-annual recycling event and ended up recycling 3,224 pounds worth of IT equipment in one day. A breakdown of the electronics recycled is below.

Local Securis business owner Allan Jenik’s family helped out.

Small businesses are especially affected by the global pandemic, and Securis is no exception. While employees who are able to work from home do so, many of our staff members are considered essential and come into the office regularly – if not daily – to provide touch-free data destruction and IT recycling for our customers. Securis’ president and founder, Jeremy Farber, recognizes the need to remind his employees how much the company appreciates their hard work during these unprecedented times. He said “It feels good to do something special for the team. They’re all working hard, wearing masks, and doing a good job. It’s my mission as a leader to continually think of ways to give back and show appreciation for our employees.”

In May, staff was treated to cool treats on a warm day, and this month, the company had a taco truck come to both facilities to serve lunch. “The tacos were delicious and a welcome break from bringing my lunch from home. I think everybody felt the company’s appreciation – I know I did!” said Kevin C. “It was a great day to be outside and the tacos were really good,” said Lawrence N.

As a small business, Securis understands the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on small businesses all over the world. One week, it was business as usual. The following week, companies worked to keep employees safe, connect with vendors and customers, and make difficult decisions regarding staffing and remote working.

Small businesses continue to face a unique set of challenges, and we understand that. In order to support small businesses like ourselves, Securis is currently offering some data destruction and IT recycling perks.

15% Discount and No Cancellation Fees

To help keep your data safe, we’re offering a 15% discount on all data destruction and IT recycling projects booked before August 31, 2020. Because we know that plans on being in the office change frequently, we’re waiving all cancellation fees for the time being.

Securis continues to offer touch-free options for data destruction and IT recycling projects. Our team will arrive at your facility wearing gloves and masks. They also carry Clorox wipes and clean surfaces they come into contact with.

Small Business Data Destruction and IT Recycling

Additionally, we’re offering three different options for your project:

1) As always, we’re able to scan all equipment on-site while remaining compliant with the social distancing rule of not coming within six feet of other people.

2) Destroy hard drives on-site at your location and then take the equipment back to our facility to be scanned and processed. Everything will be scanned on the same day.

3) We’re also able to drop off bins: One secure (locked) bin for hard drives, cell phones, and other data-containing devices, and any additional bins needed for non-data-containing equipment. In this case, you’ll load the bins, leave them in a secure area, and we’ll pick them up the same day.

Have a suggestion for how we can provide your small business data destruction and IT recycling using no-contact services? Let us know.

The healthcare industry is one of the largest and most rapidly growing industries in the world. In 2019, the United States healthcare expenditure was 17.8% of the GDP (gross domestic product). Healthcare providers face stringent regulations when it comes to protecting patient information. They’re obligated to safeguard electronic information, patient identity, and payment methods all while remaining compliant with federal regulations.

Securis’ data destruction and electronics recycling facility in Hampton Roads, Virginia is an expert at helping healthcare organizations protect healthcare data and devices. In an interview with the Norfolk, Virginia business owner Allan Jenik, we explore some unique data destruction and IT recycling needs of the healthcare industry.

Q: What are some observations about the unique needs of healthcare customers regarding data destruction and IT recycling?

A: IT Asset Managers in the healthcare field are very focused on tracking devices throughout their lifecycle to comply with regulatory requirements. We follow strict chain of custody protocols to ensure that we are only removing the requested devices and that serial numbers and asset tags match lists provided by the customer.

Q: How do you protect the data on old IT devices for the majority of the healthcare companies (degaussing, shredding, etc.). Any particular regulations they have that are different from most companies such as HIPAA requirements that change how we interact with them?  

A: We offer both on-site and off-site hard drive destruction for our customers. Computers, laptops, and servers are typically securely transported to our facility where the serial number of the hard drives, cell phones, or tablets are scanned before being shredded. 

Degaussing is available but is not required for HIPAA compliance if the drives are shredded.  Solid State hard drives and cell phones must be microshredded down to a 2mm particle size to properly destroy the data. Reporting by serial number and a certificate of destruction is always provided. 

Q: Who are some of the top healthcare providers you service in Hampton Roads? How often do you work with them?

A: We work with Sentara Healthcare, Riverside Healthcare, Children’s Hospital’s of the Kings Daughters (CHKD), and Bayview Physicians among others. Every hospital group works on a different cadence- some have us stop by a on monthly basis while others ask us to schedule a pick up when they have a certain amount of equipment on hand. Flexibility is key and that is one of the advantages of working with a locally owned company like Securis.

Q: Why did the top healthcare customers choose Securis in Hampton Roads over the competition? 

A: Attention to detail, flexibility, honesty, and fair pricing.  We also offer medical groups the option to have all of their equipment recycled or to get value back for their equipment after the data storage devices are destroyed.  It’s a great option for Hospitals and Medical/Dental Offices looking to keep expenses low. 

Q: Anything else you’d like to mention about working with companies in the healthcare industry? 

A: We work in hospitals and doctor’s offices every day and understand the confidential nature of our partnership with all of the major healthcare providers in Hampton Roads.

Special thanks to Securis’ Hampton Roads location business owner Allan Jenik for sharing the unique needs of the healthcare industry in Hampton Roads, Virginia regarding data destruction and IT recycling needs.

Facility Location:

2551 Eltham Ave, Suite G
Norfolk, VA 23513
Phone: 757-272-1166
Email: VA03@securis.com

Areas Serviced:

The Hampton Roads, Virginia location provides data destruction and IT recycling to cities in southern Virginia including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Suffolk, Elizabeth City (NC), Newport News, Williamsburg, Smithfield, Portsmouth, Franklin, Poquoson, and more.