Artificial intelligence has the ability to do things faster and with a level of precision that most people cannot match. For many, it’s become a useful tool for generating social media posts or ideas for what to cover. It’s also a helpful tool for recovering data and identifying breaches and threats before they happen.
AI is an important tool in your company’s data recovery. AI data recovery is far more efficient and is able to quickly analyze and process any format, which makes it the best choice when there are massive amounts of data of varying formats.
While AI is extremely helpful at data recovery, you cannot ignore security or how to dispose of the computers and other electronic devices that are used. You can’t just give that unneeded equipment away. It must be disposed of properly and all data must be completely erased. AI is also a powerful tool for addressing missing data, but it’s also at risk of breaches, so it’s not a technology to take lightly.
How Is AI Used for Data Recovery?
So, how does AI-powered data recovery work? It starts with a command from an IT professional or business owner. Advanced automated systems begin collecting and analyzing information looking for patterns and concerning anomalies. As missing information is found, AI looks for the path to find where it is in order to recover it. While this could take a person days or weeks, AI can do it in minutes and continually check around the clock for problems that could create data loss.
AI can be set up to continually back up files and computers to make it easier to restore systems if there’s a disruption like a hack or data breach. This also eliminates the length of time that a breach can go undetected. It can detect an intrusion and follow protocol to minimize the threat right now instead of months or years later as has happened in many large breaches.
This advanced technology becomes more advantageous because of the speed and continual processing. A person needs to take a lunch break or a day off. AI works 24/7 and never needs a break. As it’s also processing massive amounts of information, it’s important to have security measures in place to protect the information it gathers.
The Value of Complete Data Erasure
Another area where AI-powered data recovery becomes useful is with data erasure. As software or other tools are used to erase data, you can use AI to double-check that all data is completely wiped from a device. If AI cannot find a path back to it, you know no one is going to be able to retrieve that data.
NAID AAA is one of the nation’s leading data security certifications. Right now, the certificate declares that the certificate holder complies with the highest standards for data destruction with its workers and destruction practices. When you’re choosing a provider, this is a certificate to look for.
The reason why you need this is because not every company disposes of electronics correctly.
If you’re recycling all of your servers and choose a company that shortcuts and sells your devices before wiping the data, you could end up learning that PII was stolen downstream. You think you did everything right, but you missed that NAID AAA certification recommendation and went with the cheapest company. Cheapest isn’t always better, just as the most expensive ITAD provider isn’t always the best choice. Make sure you’re looking at certificates.
AI, Your Business, and Data Breaches
In 2024, the medical industry experienced two breaches caused by improper disposal of films. More than 9,000 patients in Arkansas and Ohio are affected. While these were not computers or tablets, films also contain private information. You should have systems in place to track where things are and whether they’ve been destroyed yet. The fines for improper disposal are high, so check these records often and take action if needed.
AI can detect the loss of data, but it can also be used by your IT department to ensure data leaks are not happening. In 2024, IBM estimates that it takes companies just over 190 days to recognize a data breach has happened and 64 days to contain it. With AI constantly checking, you avoid having that amount of time pass before workers uncover data leaks.
There’s another issue to consider if you do choose to use AI. Companies are embracing AI, but about 2 out of 10 companies have considered the security of the AI systems they select. This could open the door to breaches through AI. You’re gaining nothing.
Back in August of 2024, Salesforce learned their Slack platform’s AI features were not secure enough and could have easily allowed the theft of data from private channels. Thankfully, this AI flaw was uncovered before anyone stole data. The reality is that with more technology, there is always the possibility of a breach when you’re using your computers and data is also at risk when you decommission devices and tuck them away in a closet or storeroom.
Tips for Implementing AI-Driven Data Recovery and Disposal of Assets Responsibly
When you store information like credit cards, birthdays, addresses, SSNs, patient information, etc., it’s on you to ensure data privacy and legal compliance for keeping this information secure. The right AI-powered solution can constantly check and stop possible breaches.
That’s only part of it. You also need to do your part in complying with the laws. Don’t trust your electronic devices to anyone. You need to carefully research ITAD providers and make sure the company you choose meets any federal or state privacy rules your company is legally required to follow. If you’re not certain of the rules, you need to work with a company that knows and is easily able to meet them.
Keep a list of all the electronics you have to recycle. You need this inventory to track what has been processed and what’s tucked away somewhere. As items are recycled, make sure you receive a certificate of destruction to protect your company if a problem arises months or years from now.
Don’t put your old computers, tablets, and other components in a closet until you’ve collected so many that you can’t ignore them. Make sure you have data destroyed and devices recycled promptly. Even the busiest company has time to place items in a box and send them to a secure data destruction and electronic recycling facility.
What you need is an expert in ITAD and electronic recycling. ERI can destroy data and recycle over a billion pounds of electronics each year. Our facilities provide e-recycling and ITAD services to every state. We’ve been a leader in e-waste recycling since 2002 and handle at least 5% of e-waste that’s generated every year. Ask us about our on-site data wipe solutions that take place in your office instead of worrying about shipping your devices to another area.