Data Erasure Solutions for Your Old Technology

It’s tempting to chuck your old PC or mobile phone or simply toss your company’s old computers and fax machines in a utility closet instead of dealing with data erasure. Data erasure solutions don’t have to be complicated, and they don’t have to be costly, either. 

It’s better to know your sensitive data and private information is gone and unavailable to anyone who picks up your old tech. If you plan on recycling old tech, data erasure is essential in maintaining your privacy. Here are some ways you can go about ensuring data deletion for all types of tech.

What Are Some Reputable Data Erasure Methods?

When it comes to data erasure, there are a few ways you can guarantee that your data is unable to be accessed by hackers. One of the most popular data erasure methods is overwriting data. This is also called sanitizing data. To do this, you can use some of the best data erasure software on the market to overwrite the data on your computer or phone.

The software basically wipes your hard drive of all previous information so it cannot be recovered. This method may not work as well for large companies but it’s a great solution for your personal tech. A benefit of using the best data erasure software to delete data is that you don’t actually have to destroy your technology. You could let another family member or friend use it, or you could recycle it.

Firmware, Degaussing, and Data Erasure

You could also use firmware to not just overwrite the data but actually delete the data from your drive. Using firmware instead of software is simple and requires no actual software, making it an easy and effective data erasure solution.

Degaussing is another data erasure solution, but this renders the hard drive useless, as this process uses a magnet to destroy the hard drive completely. You can’t use this method on other types of tech except computers. If you’re looking for erasure methods for tech like mobile phones or tablets, a good solution is to either use the factory reset option, or if you’re really concerned about private and sensitive information, you can download a special application for data erasure of a mobile device. 

Lastly, using a certified data erasure service is a good option that takes the workload out of your hands and allows an expert to step in. 

Using Certified Data Erasure Services

If you do a lot of work on your home PC or you just don’t want your private information to ever be compromised, a certified erasure service is the way to go when it comes to secure data erasure solutions. This is due to the fact that data erasure services guarantee complete removal of data in the safest and most lawful way. These companies adhere completely to NIST guidelines and federal compliance rules, and they’ll also provide you with a serialized certificate that serves as proof of data removal. 

Certified erasure services use the best data erasure software that’s professional-grade to erase data from your hard drives. Then, they refurbish your old tech so you can then decide to resell it or recycle it to keep things planet-friendly. Tech fills up landfills and causes a big problem. If you don’t want to deal with the tech at all anymore, these services do the legwork for you by reselling your items and handing over the money to you. It’s easy, simple, and could be profitable for you, too. 

Why Can’t You Just Destroy Old Tech?

So, why can’t you just toss your old tech, drop it in a recycle bin, or simply crush your hard drive so nobody can breach your information? Without data erasure, there’s no guarantee that your sensitive information can’t be compromised. It’s also bad for the environment to destroy electronics. It’s just as simple to implement data erasure methods. Also, there’s no proof or verification that your data was actually erased, so you don’t get that guarantee or peace of mind you get from other data erasure options. 

It’s also wasteful, and most laypeople don’t have the proper equipment hanging around to effectively destroy a hard drive in the proper way in order for information not to be compromised. 

Key Benefits of Data Erasure 

So, why should you consider data erasure solutions for your old tech? Here are some compelling reasons to ensure your old tech is free of any sensitive information. 

• Your privacy and security stays intact. There are many hackers out there and they are experts at discovering information. Even if it’s just your personal computer or phone,  you likely still have bank account information, credit card numbers, or even social security numbers that a hacker could access. Give yourself the peace of mind of knowing that information is long gone before you trash tech.
• You can reuse your old hard drive. Why throw out or destroy a perfectly good piece of equipment when you can wipe it and reuse it? It’s environmental and cost-effective!
• Your device can be refurbished and recertified for the next user. 
• It’s better for the environment! You are doing your part to keep tech out of landfills. 
• Free up space in your home or office for brand-new tech. 
• You could end up making money by reselling refurbished tech instead of simply destroying it or trashing it. Why not pocket some dollars from your old equipment? 

To learn more about proper data erasure protocols and standards, contact PlanITROI today.