Protect Personal Data and the Environment When Getting Rid of Computers and other Home Electronics

Oct. 6, 2010 - PRLog -- Improperly discarded computers are not only bad for the environment but also provide a way for hackers to recover your data, even when special software is used to “erase all data” from computer hard drives.

Old computers and printers tell tales.  Data lives a long life and that can be a problem from a security standpoint. Information stored in an old computer can be easily read by anyone with a minimal understanding of how computers work.  Erasing files and re-formatting a drive does not solve the problem.  Deleted files can be restored and a re-formatted drive can be recovered.  

There is other hardware that can provide a wealth of information to data thieves such as printers and fax machines, both of which may contain hard drives.  For businesses that means customer information, credit card numbers and virtually any document you print is accessible to hackers.

Check with the hardware’s manufacturer to see whether your equipment falls into that category and before you buy your next printer make sure the vendor can explain how to wipe the disk clean before retiring it.

Destroy Sensitive Data
Ensure that all data has been properly wiped before scrapping:

•Computers: You can purchase inexpensive software to wipe a computer’s hard drive, but the data still may be retrievable to a determined person.  If you have extremely sensitive information that you don’t want to fall into anyone’s hands, the most secure way of destroying data stored on a disc drive is to remove and physically destroy the drive by, for example, drilling a hole through it.

•Copiers and Printers: Check your owner’s manual to find out how to delete stored data. If you lease these products, contact the leasing company on how your data will be erased when you hand it back.

Mobile Phones: Consult the owner’s manual or search online for directions on how to wipe the phone’s memory and remove the SIM card.

Identify hazardous and data-sensitive electronics:
A variety of office and home hi-tech equipment contains toxic materials or sensitive data and should be recycled responsibly:

•Computer CPUs (processors)
•Mobile phones
•Copiers, printers and fax machines
•Monitors, speakers and mice
•Landline phones
•Computer cables and wires
•TVs, VCRs, DVRs and stereos
•Batteries

Dispose Properly
When it comes to actually getting rid of outdated home and office electronics, there are many options available, depending on the condition of the item, the retailer, the manufacturer, and, in some cases, state laws. Consider these disposal methods:

•Donate: Schools, charities and community organizations can use your electronics—such as computer equipment, phones, copiers and printers—as long as these are in proper working condition. Your donation may even be tax deductible.

•Recycle:  There are many companies across the country that break down and recycle old electronics for free.  They usually have drop-off locations or you may even be able to schedule a pickup if you have many heavy items.   Many states also offer e-cycling programs—some of which are mandatory. A list of state programs are available on the EPA’s web site: http://www.epa.gov

•Return: Some manufacturers and even retailers provide “take back” programs to help customers recycle their old products safely and cheaply.  Every major cell phone carrier will also take your old cell phone and donate it to a charity or have it disposed of properly.  

•Resell: While more labor intensive, you may be able to make a little money selling your electronics through auction websites or online classifieds.  Be wary if any buyers overpay or ask you to wire money for any reason.  However, unless you have properly eliminated data, don’t sell these kinds of electronics online, where hackers can find a treasure trove of sensitive information in old computer equipment.

For more advice on how to manage data check out Data Security – Made Simpler at www.bbb.org/data-security/.

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