What are the requirements for data sanitization in the R2 Standard?

Q: What is the purpose of Appendix B – Data Sanitization in the R2 Standard?

A: Appendix B – Data Sanitization of the R2 Standard outlines the requirements for organizations that maintain enhanced data security controls and perform physical or logical data sanitization in accordance with best practices. The purpose of this appendix is to ensure that data-containing devices are managed to the highest level of sensitivity, as required by customers or regulations, and that data sanitization processes are effective and consistently applied.

Q: What are the key requirements for data sanitization in Appendix B of the R2 Standard?

A: The key requirements for data sanitization, as outlined in Appendix B of the R2 Standard, include:

1. Maintaining a detailed Data Sanitization Plan and procedures that cover all aspects of the data sanitization process, including methods, quality controls, and documentation.
2. Implementing effective security controls appropriate for the most sensitive classification of media accepted at the facility, including physical security, access controls, and monitoring.
3. Conducting regular training and evaluations for data sanitization workers to ensure competence and compliance with procedures.
4. Performing data sanitization using approved methods, such as physical destruction or logical sanitization, and maintaining records of the process for each data storage device.
5. Implementing quality controls to verify the effectiveness of the data sanitization process, including regular audits and sampling of sanitized devices.

By adhering to these requirements, R2 certified facilities can demonstrate their commitment to data security and provide assurance to their customers that data-containing devices are being managed responsibly and effectively.