There is evidence that information is leaking on a massive scale through the disposal of discs and mobile devices. Home working and powerful hand-held devices are increasing the problem. Organisations must pay more attention to the issue.
Executive summary
Ovum view
Key messages
There is a real risk of information disclosure
USB sticks and smartphones magnify the problem
Do not trust service providers
Review outsourcing arrangements
Physical destruction of storage media is the ultimate assurance
There is a real risk of information disclosure
Sub-optimal investment in information security
Optimising return on investment
Protecting against the consequences of lost laptops
Leakage through disposal is ignored because it is not visible
Research into disc disposal
Measuring the scale of the problem
What researchers have discovered
Determined thieves could have gone further
The problem of blurring personal and business life
Information protection does not conflict with waste disposal regulations