5.6 Safe Disposal of Data and Computer Equipment

Question 1

3 ways data can be destroyed

Answer 1

overwrite the data
electromagnetically wipe the data
physically destruct the data

Question 2

what is the process of overwriting data

Answer 2

a hard disk should be overwritten at least three times to ensure that the data cannot be recovered. This method allows the hard drive to be re used

Question 3

what is the process of electromagnetic wiping

Answer 3

also known as degaussing. this is where data is erased magnetically from magnetic storage media such as hard drives and backup tapes. the storage media is usually unusable after the data is destroyed

Question 4

what is the process of physical destruction of data

Answer 4

storage media is totally destroyed e.g. crushed using hydraulic apparatus

Question 5

what is the environmental act (1995)

Answer 5

all redundant computer equipment of no economic value is classed as waste
CRT monitors are hazardous waste
you must ensure your waste goes to a licensed disposal site

Question 6

what are the landfill (england and wales) regulations (2002)

Answer 6

the standards set in regulation to waste that can go to landfill. The standards are called waste acceptance criteria (WAC) and include hazardous waste

Question 7

what is the waste electrical and electronic (WEEE) directive

Answer 7

sets criteria for collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of waste electrical equipment

Question 8

what is the environment protection act (1990)

Answer 8

waste items must be assigned to registered carriers, properly stored and disposed of at appropriately licensed facilities. directors and managers can be held accountable and face fines if laws are broken

Question 9

what are the hazardous waste regulations (2005)

Answer 9

most producers of hazardous waste in England and Wales have been required to notify their premises to environment agency and register as a waste producer

Question 10

what is the general data protection regulation (2016)

Answer 10

replaced the data protection act (1998)
consumers can ask for access to their information
personal data includes IP address
have to opt in on being on a cold call list
move data between companies as and when they wish
illegal to identify people from anonymous data