This data must go. Delete, but do it right!

This data must go. Delete, but do it right!

Over time, an infinite amount of data accumulates in our systems. Long-standing customers and well-maintained business relationships in particular provide our database with sufficiently sensitive information. It is precisely these that must be protected at all costs, even in the event of deletion from the programs and archives.

Once the decision has been made and personal data are sorted out, certain rules must also be observed.

Deleting the customer data

Companies must always delete customer data when it is no longer required. But also if the customer requests deletion. The Deletion of data must be verifiable and appropriate according to the Data Protection Act. As our data can be hidden in a wide variety of programs, the company must take a very close look. It is advisable to create a deletion concept in order to be able to carry out sufficient deletion. With this in mind, companies can contact the software provider to find appropriate solutions in the program.

These places can be considered

Over the course of time, our sensitive data are not only stored in the software, but also in other locations. These can be any existing storage media, such as USB sticks, external hard disks or CDs.

Archives and filing cabinets also need to be looked through. Especially archives contain data that has long since been forgotten.

In general, companies should always keep the statutory retention periods in mind. These result from the German Fiscal Code (Abgabenordnung), the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetz) and the German Value Added Tax Act (Umsatzsteuergesetz).

Professional and clean

As the Deletion of data can become very complex, companies can always seek help and support from experts. They know how your data can be completely destroyed. In addition, systematic and professional erasure produces a report that provides information about the type, origin and erasure process at all times.

The obligation to document data deletion naturally applies to everyone.