Organizations must prioritize secure and responsible IT asset disposition (ITAD). With data security regulations tightening and environmental concerns rising, businesses need assurance that their retired IT equipment is handled properly. One of the best ways to ensure this is by working with an ITAD provider that complies with the ADISA ICT Asset Recovery Standard 8.0.

Understanding ADISA ICT Asset Recovery Standard 8.0

The Asset Disposal and Information Security Alliance (ADISA) developed the ICT Asset Recovery Standard 8.0 to establish rigorous security and compliance benchmarks for IT asset disposal. This globally recognized standard ensures that ITAD providers follow stringent protocols in data sanitization, logistics, and environmental responsibility.

Certification under ADISA Standard 8.0 indicates that an ITAD provider has undergone thorough audits and assessments to validate their data security practices, operational controls, and overall risk management procedures.

Certus Software and ADISA Product Assurance Certification

Certus Software has recently achieved the ADISA Product Assurance Certification for NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1 & IEEE 2883-2022, which is mandatory for compliance with ADISA Standard 8.0. This certification ensures that Certus Software's data erasure solutions meet the highest industry standards for secure data destruction, reinforcing their commitment to helping organizations securely manage IT asset disposition.

Why Compliance Matters

1. Ensuring Data Security

One of the biggest risks in IT asset disposal is data breaches. Improper handling of retired IT assets can expose sensitive business, customer, or employee data. ADISA Standard 8.0-compliant ITAD providers follow strict processes to ensure complete data sanitization, reducing the risk of data leaks.

2. Meeting Regulatory Requirements

With stringent data protection laws such as GDPR, and HIPAA, businesses must ensure compliance when disposing of IT assets. Working with an ADISA Standard 8.0 certified ITAD provider helps organizations meet legal obligations regarding data disposal, minimizing the risk of fines and legal liabilities.

3. Supporting Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability is an important aspect of IT asset management. ADISA Standard 8.0 compliant ITAD providers adhere to environmentally responsible disposal and recycling methods, reducing e-waste and promoting the circular economy. This helps businesses meet corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals and avoid contributing to landfill waste.

4. Transparency and Accountability

ADISA certification involves independent third-party audits and continuous monitoring, ensuring ITAD providers operate with integrity and transparency. Organizations benefit from clear reporting and accountability throughout the IT asset recovery process.

Insights from an ITAD Provider

Asset Lifecycle Solutions, emphasizes the importance of working with certified providers:

"At Asset Lifecycle Solutions, we know how critical it is for organisations to choose an ITAD partner they can trust. That’s why we’re proud to be certified to ADISA ICT Asset Recovery Standard 8.0, holding a DIAL 3 with Distinction rating—the highest level awarded by ADISA. This level of certification demonstrates our ability to manage even the most stringent data security requirements for high-assurance clients.

ADISA’s certification doesn’t just cover data erasure—it encompasses every aspect of secure IT asset recovery, including client onboarding, secure logistics, vetted staff, controlled premises, and comprehensive reporting. With regular, unannounced audits from ADISA, our clients can be confident that our standards are consistently upheld. What sets this standard apart is that it’s both UKAS accredited and approved by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). That means it meets internationally recognised standards and helps organisations demonstrate their compliance with key data protection laws, such as the UK GDPR.

As part of our commitment to excellence, we have always chosen Certus Software for non-destructive data sanitisation. Their solutions are not only independently certified but also ADISA-approved, meaning we can rely on Certus to provide industry-leading erasure capabilities across a wide range of media. This partnership ensures we offer secure, auditable, and compliant data sanitisation every time.”

   Ben Griffin - Managing Director, Asset Lifecycle Solutions

Choosing the Right ITAD Partner

When selecting an ITAD provider, it is beneficial to ensure they utilize data erasure solutions that are ADISA-certified (like Certus Software). Choosing a provider that employs certified tools enhances security and ensures compliance with the highest industry standards, strengthening an organization's overall IT asset disposition strategy.

When selecting an ITAD provider, consider the following:

• ADISA ICT Asset Recovery Standard 8.0 certification
• A strong track record in data sanitization and secure logistics
• Environmentally responsible recycling and refurbishment practices
• Compliance with industry standards
• End-to-end reporting and audit trails for accountability