Services
May 14, 2012
We’ve discussed the topics of data security and e-waste on this blog from time
to time. But a recent article in USA Today brings the two topics together, along with the favorite pastime of a certain green-skinned Avenger: smashing.
According to the article, discarded digital devices like old laptops, netbooks, and cell phones can contain sensitive personal information, up to and including bank account and Social Security numbers. Of 30 random devices purchased on craigslist, half were wiped clean and half were a gold mine of useful info for identity thieves.
Millions of Windows XP laptops, desktops, and netbooks are expected to be disposed of as Microsoft rolls out its Windows 8 operating system later this year. An XP hard drive can be difficult to extract data from and tricky to wipe completely clean. Resetting Google Android smartphones to the original factory settings doesn\’t always work either.
So what’s the recommendation for keeping your old device from disgorging its secrets? McAfee identity theft expert Robert Siciliano says, “I would beat the thing to death.”
There you have it, from the expert. Destroy your tech before you dump it. Maybe you’ll even work out some pent-up aggression while you’re at it. Of course, once your tech is in pieces, you can contact EquipNet — an e-Stewards® Enterprise — to figure out what to do next.
Hulk smash, indeed.
Categorias: Services
Tags: data security e-waste,
