Most organizations have made significant progress in protecting confidential data, using encryption, access controls, firewalls, and employee awareness training. But one area still tends to be neglected: what happens to data when a device reaches the end of its life? This overlooked phase can pose serious security and compliance risks, and CISOs are increasingly paying attention.

The Hidden Risk in the Data Lifecycle

Even when a device is no longer in use, the data it contains is often still accessible unless it has been securely erased. If such data ends up in the wrong hands (through resale, recycling, or improper disposal), the consequences can include:

• Regulatory fines
  
  
• Reputational damage
  
  
• Breaches of confidentiality
  
  
• Legal liability

Regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the NIS2 Directive, which have been in effect across the EU since October 2024, require organizations to implement strong security practices. While GDPR mandates secure and permanent data erasure when information is no longer needed, NIS2 focuses on broader cybersecurity measures, where proper data disposal is part of overall risk management.

Data Wiping as a Compliance Control

Article 5(1)(e) of the GDPR mandates that personal data must be retained “no longer than is necessary”, while Article 17 gives individuals the “right to be forgotten.”

Enforcement of both the GDPR and NIS2 is more active, especially regarding auditability. If an organization cannot prove that data has been wiped securely, it risks non-compliance and potential sanctions.

From Operational Detail to Strategic Priority

First, data wiping was handled by IT teams in the background. But for a few years, the responsibility for data protection (including end-of-life devices) has shifted to include the CISO, compliance officers, and legal counsel.

CISOs must now be able to answer: “Can we prove that every decommissioned device was wiped according to current standards, and that we have the audit logs to back it up?”

Without verifiable proof, even strong data protection policies are incomplete.

Shared Responsibility in the ITAD Chain

Even if you work with trusted ITAD providers or refurbishers, the legal responsibility for protecting personal data lies with the data controller, your organization. That’s why enterprises are increasingly prioritizing ITAD vendors who offer certified data erasure, transparent chain-of-custody tracking, and detailed reporting.

According to Credence Research, this shift is driven by growing regulatory pressure and the rising need for audit-ready data handling throughout the entire asset lifecycle. It encourages businesses to partner with certified ITAD vendors who guarantee complete data erasure, a traceable chain of custody, and detailed reporting.

How Can Your Organization Ensure Secure Data Wiping?

At the end of a device’s lifecycle, organizations must securely and permanently erase all data. This starts with establishing internal policies for device wiping and using certified data erasure tools that offer verifiable results. Solutions like Certus provide tamper-proof erasure reports for transparency and automation in data wiping.

When outsourcing data erasure, partner with ITAD providers that comply with international standards and can offer full audit trails. This ensures regulatory compliance. If you need assistance finding the right ITAD partner, our Certus Authorized Partner network includes specialized providers that use our products to guarantee proper, compliant, and verifiable data erasure.