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 is sorted out, certain rules must be observed.

Deleting the customer data

Companies must delete customer data in any case when it is no longer needed. But also if the customer requests deletion. According to the Data Protection Act, the deletion of data must be verifiable and appropriate. Since our data can be hidden in a wide variety of programs, the company must look very carefully. In order to be able to carry out a sufficient deletion, it is advisable to create a deletion concept. In this sense, companies can contact the software provider to find appropriate solutions in the program.

 

These places can be considered

Over time, our sensitive data is not only stored in the software, but also in other places. This can be any existing storage media, such as USB sticks, external hard drives or the odd CD.

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

Since data deletion can become very complex, companies can always seek help and support from professionals. They know how your data can be completely destroyed. In addition, a report is created during the systematic and professional deletion, which provides information about the type, origin and the deletion process at any time.

The obligation to document data deletion naturally applies to everyone.