The project that you were working on is now completed. What would be the most appropriate way to ensure secure disposal of any electronic copies of the client project plans, trackers, design documents etc, that you have on your system?
a. Delete the data on your own
b. You keep the data as it can be reused for another client project
c. Check with your manager on any client mandated secure data disposal requirements that need to be adhered to and accordingly raise an AHD request with computers and Communications Division (CCD) for secure disposal of data in your system.
d. Since the data you were handing was not very sensitive in nature, you do not take any action.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: c. Check with your manager on any client mandated secure data disposal requirements that need to be adhered to and accordingly raise an AHD request with Computers and Communications Division (CCD) for secure disposal of data in your system.
Explanation:
When handling client-related information—such as project plans, trackers, and design documents—data security and confidentiality are critical, regardless of the sensitivity level perceived by the individual. Most organizations and clients have formal data retention and disposal policies to protect intellectual property, ensure compliance with data protection regulations, and prevent data leakage. Simply deleting files manually (option a) does not guarantee secure erasure, as data can often be recovered using specialized tools. Similarly, keeping the data for future use (option b) is a violation of both ethical standards and potentially contractual agreements, as it constitutes unauthorized retention of client information. Assuming the data is not sensitive and taking no action (option d) is careless and poses a risk to both organizational reputation and legal compliance.
Option (c) is the most appropriate and responsible approach. Consulting your manager ensures alignment with any client-specific or organizational data governance policies. Some clients may require data to be disposed of using certified secure deletion tools or methods, or even require formal confirmation that the data was destroyed. Raising an AHD (Authorized Help Desk) request with the Computers and Communications Division (CCD) ensures that the data is erased using secure and traceable procedures that comply with industry standards (such as DoD 5220.22-M or NIST 800-88 guidelines for media sanitization).
This process not only protects the client’s proprietary information but also demonstrates professional integrity and adherence to proper IT security protocols. Ensuring secure data disposal is an essential part of responsible project closure and risk management in any professional setting.