What Is Improper IT Disposal Really Costing You?
Calculate your real data breach exposure using IBM's 2024 Cost of a Data Breach data.
Average Data Breach Cost by Industry (IBM 2024)
| Industry | Avg Breach Cost |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | $9.77M |
| Financial Services | $6.08M |
| Technology | $5.45M |
| Legal | $5.12M |
| All Industries Average | $4.88M |
| Government | $4.43M |
| Retail | $3.91M |
| Education | $3.65M |
Source: IBM Security — Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a data breach cost in 2025?
According to IBM's 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the global average is $4.88 million. Healthcare is the most expensive at $9.77M, followed by Financial Services at $6.08M. These costs include detection, notification, lost business, and regulatory response.
What is the risk of a data breach from improper IT disposal?
A Blancco study found that 42% of used drives purchased online contained recoverable sensitive data. Without certified data destruction following NIST 800-88 guidelines, every retired device is a potential breach vector.
How much does certified ITAD cost?
With EverTrade Electronics, certified IT asset disposition is free for qualifying business lots in the Greater Houston area. We provide free pickup, NIST 800-88 compliant data destruction, and serialized certificates of destruction — all at no cost. Schedule your free pickup →
What regulations require certified data destruction?
HIPAA (healthcare), PCI DSS (payment cards), GLBA (financial), FERPA (education), and various state laws including the Texas Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act all require proper data disposal. Non-compliance can result in fines from $100 to $50,000+ per violation. Check your compliance →