Business data can be found after a factory reset
Whether disposing of a computer or a mobile, you need to ensure safe computer disposal is done properly. You need to take into consideration your confidential business data and the environment. If you were to sell, scrap or donate your device, you need to completely wipe it of any data. Even deleted data can be retrieved, so you need to ensure a specialist is dealing with this task. Furthermore, it is important you are not breaking any laws.
Risk
- Personal and business information could be viewed, along with any stored or saved passwords to accounts such as online banking
- Your browsing history could still be visible
- Any old emails that have not been removed could be found by the new owner of the device
- Any files that have not been deleted will be accessible, even deleted files can be recovered with the right knowledge and technology
Safe computer disposal
Copy all the data to the new device and have a secure backup running to ensure your business data and accounts are safe. Then ensure you have fully erased the hard disks and removed everything from the device using a deletion service. Or alternatively, destroying or rendering the device unusable. Don’t forget to remove any CDs, DVDs, memory cards and USBs. If you are also disposing or any of these storage devices, do so in the same way.
If you have any end of life devices that you cannot sell or donate, contact a proper disposal facility. They will dismantle the device and recycle the parts correctly and responsibly. Established IT companies will be able to point you in the right direction if you are unsure where to start looking.