Why NIST 800-88 Matters for K12 Schools

When your district rolls out new devices, what happens to the old ones? Whether it's aging Chromebooks, outdated iPads, or staff laptops, those assets still hold something critical: student and staff data.

That’s where NIST 800-88 comes in and why it should matter to every K12 tech leader.

What is NIST 800-88?

Published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST 800-88 is a set of federal guidelines for properly sanitizing data from electronic assets. It lays out methods to securely erase sensitive information so that it can’t be recovered — even with advanced tools.

Put simply: it’s the national gold standard for data sanitization.

Why It’s Critical for K12 Districts

NIST 800-88 is especially important for K12 districts because devices often store:

• Student names and IDs
• Test results and transcripts
• Special education documentation
• Staff credentials and payroll details

Failure to properly wipe this data can lead to data breaches, FERPA violations, and public trust issues. By following NIST 800-88 guidelines, districts can protect students, educators, and administrators from potential harm.

How Tech Defenders Follows NIST 800-88

At Tech Defenders, every asset we receive goes through data sanitization that adheres to NIST 800-88 standards. Here’s what that means for your district:

• Certified Data Sanitization: Assets are wiped using trusted, secure methods tailored to each device type.
• Chain of Custody Documentation: From the moment we receive your shipment, we track and document the entire process.
• Certificate of Data Destruction: You’ll get formal documentation for your records, confirming all assets have been sanitized properly.
  
  

Why It Should Matter to You

Your community trusts you to keep their data safe. By working with a partner like Tech Defenders, one who adheres to strict NIST 800-88 protocols, you:

• Mitigate risk from old device data
• Align with federal best practices
• Gain peace of mind and professional documentation
• Show your community you’re serious about security
  
  

Final Thought

You don’t just need someone to take the old devices,  you need a partner who understands what’s at stake and helps you protect it every step of the way. That’s where Tech Defenders comes in.