In the digital age, gadgets such as smartphones, laptops, hard drives, and USB drives are not just mere carriers of files, but they contain personal and business-related information that is sensitive. 

By just leaving these things in the garbage or giving them away without any kind of preparation, you risk falling prey to identity theft, data breach and financial fraud. This is the reason why it is important to know how to prepare before disposing of old devices.

This article will guide you on the necessary steps you ought to follow to ensure your data is secure, as well as observe the privacy regulations, and have your devices disposed of in a responsible manner.

Why Properly Disposing of Old Devices Matters?

All the devices that you use save data even after the deletion of files. For example:

• Personal photos and banking applications can be stored on smartphones, as well as location history.

• Years of emails, tax records and business records are frequently stored on hard drives.

• USB drives could be filled with work files or client sensitive information.

Unless you prepare first before disposing of the old devices, data can be recreated by cyber criminals using their simple tools. 

In addition to the individual risk, there is a legal liability of a business that is regulated by laws such as HIPAA, GDPR, and FACTA where sensitive information must be destroyed in a secure fashion.

Step 1: Back Up Important Data

Prior to disposing of old devices, scan what is in them and extract what remains.

• On phones: Move contacts, pictures and app data to new phone or cloud storage.

• In the case of hard drives: It is best to make a copy of them on an external hard drive or a secure cloud storage.

• In the case of USB disks: Transfer valuable files to a permanent drive.

This is what backing up will do, as it will make sure that you do not lose crucial information until the time you wipe the device permanently.

Step 2: Log Out and Deactivate Accounts

Most gadgets are associated with online accounts, which are still operational despite being deleted. Before disposing of the old devices, ensure that you:

• Deactivate email, social media and cloud services.
• Turn off Find My iPhone, Find My devices or other tracking programs.
• Unsubscribe the device on websites such as Google and Apple.

This will help avoid unauthorized access as well as your device cannot be re-activated in your name.

Step 3: Perform a Secure Data Wipe

The mere deleting of the files  is not enough, files can be recovered. Alternatively, dispose of old devices by wiping them down with secure methods before disposal:

• Phones: The factory reset option can also be used, and it is best to erase the data by creating dummy files as best as possible.

• Hard drives: Overwrite data several times.

• USB drives: Shake and empty the memory at least once in order to make sure files cannot be accessed again.

When dealing with highly sensitive data, the best method is to destroy it physically (such as hard drive destruction by shredding their platters).

Step 4: Remove External Media and Accessories

Checks on memory cards, SIM cards or other storage drives. These have the capacity to hold data by themselves and they are usually neglected when individuals dispose of old devices. Take them off before disposing or destroying them.

Step 5: Physically Destroy If Necessary

Wiping might not be sufficient in case the device had confidential or sensitive data. Most companies engage professional Hard Drive Destruction Services and mobile shredding services to make sure that data cannot be re-interpolated in any way. Physical destruction is the best method for  disposing of old devices.

• Hard drives: Shred, drill through or crush the platters.

• Phones and tablets: Destroy memory chips or use the services of professional shredders.

• USB drives: Snap them in half or get them shredded.

By involving a certified company in shredding, one can be sure that devices are destroyed beyond repair and they are being done under the standards of compliance.

Step 6: Recycle Responsibly

Electronics also have metals, plastics and chemicals that are destructive to the environment when dumped in the trash. Recycling of e-waste should also be done when you are disposing of old devices. Electronic recycling is also being carried out by many shredding providers according to the environmental laws.

Step 7: Get a Certificate of Destruction (For Businesses)

In the case of companies, secure disposal should be shown. A Certificate of Destruction is a document that acts as a witness that your machines and information have been destroyed in compliance. This will safeguard your business against audits and other disagreements and hold people accountable in the event of disposing of the old devices.

Benefits of Proper Disposal

By following the precautionary steps prior to disposing old devices, you get:

• Data security: Protects your business and identity theft.

• Compliance: Adheres to the laws of privacy.

• Environmental safety: Ensures that the planet is not polluted by dangerous wastes.

• Peace of mind: Guarantees the fact that sensitive files do not reappear in the wrong hands.
  

Final Thoughts

It is not that easy to get rid of old phones, hard drives, and USB drives by simply throwing them in the trash bin. Upon supporting your data, clearing accounts, erasing devices, and destroying them physically or recycling them, you keep your personal information safe and do not violate privacy policies.

To individuals, it is about securing your identity. In the case of business it is about keeping trust and compliance. By collaborating with an e-waste disposal and shredding company such as https://www.shredinstead.com/, you will make sure that your devices will be disposed of safely and in a sound manner.