Tips For Safely Disposing Of Data-Containing Electronics

Many modern day electronics contain sensitive personal information, from pictures of the kids to banking details. For this reason, many people opt to hang on to their old cell phones, tablets, and computers rather than recycling them. This is a shame, as all they do is take up space and serve no further purpose. The following guide can help walk you through the process of getting rid of your data-containing electronics safely.

Step #1: Backup important files

It should go without saying that you back up everything before getting rid of the device. You have several options, from uploading information to online storage (the cloud) to backing up to an external hard drive or thumb drive. You may even be able to retrieve data from a non-working device, but this may require the help of a professional computer or phone tech.

Step #2: Encrypt the data

If you have access to the device and it powers on, then an important security step is encryption. This way, in the rare case that data is somehow retrieved, there is yet another hard to overcome barrier to actually reading the data. You can purchase data encryption programs that will handle this for you. Some data security programs already come equipped with this ability, so check these first.

Step #3: Overwrite or delete everything

An overwriting program is primary way to destroy data. These programs overwrite everything on a hard drive so it can not be read – especially if it is also encrypted. You should set the program to overwrite the data at least three times and up to seven times if you are especially security conscious. Each overwriting makes attempts at data retrieval even more complicated, which adds additional layers of security. The only exception is a cell phone, where a factory reset serves the same purpose.

Step #4: Destroy when appropriate

If a device can not be repaired or donated for reuse, then you can also destroy the hard drive to ensure that no data can ever be retrieved. A drill hole through the center is a common method, but make sure you also took the above steps just in someone can rebuild it. Smashing it with a hammer generally destroys everything in a manner where the above methods aren't necessary.

Once you have secured the data, either donate the working electronic or take it to an electronics recycling center. This keeps the components out of the waste stream and lets them go to serve other purposes.