Secure Disposal After Cyber Incident: Legal and Operational Requirements

Contextualization of Safe Disposal After a Cyber Incident

After a cyber incident, the assessment and safe disposal of compromised equipment and digital media are essential to prevent information leaks and comply with current legislation. The proper destruction and disposal of these assets ensure the protection of corporate data in accordance with Brazilian legal requirements.

Legislation Applicable to the Disposal of Digital Media

The General Data Protection Law (LGPD) – Law No. 13,709/2018 – establishes guidelines for the processing and protection of personal data, including security measures related to the elimination and disposal of devices that store sensitive information. Non-compliance may result in administrative and judicial sanctions.

In addition to the LGPD, the Internet Civil Framework (Law No. 12,965/2014) sets responsibilities regarding the safekeeping and secure elimination of electronic data. Compliance with these regulations is essential in post-incident processes.

Operational Requirements for Safe Disposal

Operational processes must include the assessment of device integrity, segregation of compromised media, and the application of certified techniques for data sanitization, such as physical destruction or secure digital decontamination. Media sanitization, including hard drive destruction, minimizes the risk of information exposure.

For the correct disposal of electronic devices, the use of specialized services that follow technical and environmental standards is recommended. The regular practice of electronic waste collection electronic scheduling is fundamental for the proper management of technological waste.

Applicable Technical Standards

NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) publishes detailed guides on the secure sanitization of digital media, highlighting scientifically validated methods for data destruction. Official references are available on the CSRC NIST and NVL NIST portals.

Environmental Aspects and Responsibility

Improper disposal of electronic devices can cause environmental impacts due to toxic components present in the devices. Following the guidelines of the National System of Information on Solid Waste Management (SINIR) and environmental agencies such as CETESB is mandatory to comply with Brazilian environmental standards.

Conclusion

Safe disposal after a cyber incident requires attention to legal obligations and the implementation of effective operational practices to mitigate risks. Following current legislation, employing sanitization techniques aligned with standards, and adopting electronic waste collection electronic scheduling constitutes best practice for information security and environmental sustainability.