Avoid Data Theft: How to Safely Dispose of Phones, Laptops, and Drives

In fact, a shocking 90% of second-hand laptops, hard drives, and memory cards still contain recoverable data.

When it’s time to recycle or sell your old phone or laptop, you might think that deleting files and performing a factory reset is enough to secure your personal data. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Even after you’ve wiped your device, sensitive information like passwords, bank details, and private documents can often still be recovered by hackers.

In fact, a shocking 90% of second-hand laptops, hard drives, and memory cards still contain recoverable data, which suggests that many people don’t properly erase their devices before reselling or recycling them.

Fortunately, there are clear and simple steps you can take to protect your personal information and dispose of your electronics responsibly.

Hidden Dangers of Leaving Data Behind

Devices that are sold or discarded can still contain valuable personal data — from financial records to business documents. Just deleting files or performing a factory reset doesn’t necessarily erase everything. In many cases, specialized recovery tools can easily retrieve this data, leading to major breaches of privacy.

For instance, a study found that 42% of used storage devices sold on eBay still contained private information such as passport images, school records, and corporate documents, despite the sellers claiming they had erased the data.

Improperly wiped devices also expose personal data to theft. A study in 2022 revealed that many internet-connected devices retained private information, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. In some cases, e-waste sent from Europe to Ghana even contained classified corporate and government files, raising serious global security concerns.

Why a Simple Reset Won’t Do

Many people assume that performing a factory reset erases all their data, but unfortunately, that’s not always true.

Research has shown that 35% of secondhand mobile devices still contained recoverable data even after a reset. This highlights the risks of relying solely on factory resets. Older devices or those without encryption are especially vulnerable to having residual data recovered using forensic tools.

While iPhones use hardware encryption, which makes resets more effective, Android devices vary by manufacturer, and some resets may not fully protect your data.

Steps to Ensure Complete Data Removal

To ensure your data is fully erased before recycling or selling your devices, follow these recommended practices:

1. Use Secure Data-Wiping Software

Before selling or recycling your device, utilize data-wiping software that can securely erase all your data. For solid-state drives (SSDs), traditional wiping methods may not suffice because of the way data is stored. To securely wipe data from an SSD, make sure to enable full-disk encryption with tools like BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (Mac) before performing a reset.

Android users can use apps like Shreddit to securely wipe their data. For iPhones, the full reset combined with built-in encryption is generally sufficient for secure erasure.

For businesses handling sensitive data, consider using certified data-wiping software that meets the standards of the National Institute of Standards and Technology or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Third-party data destruction services are also a reliable option to ensure compliance with security standards.

2. Physically Destroy the Device for Maximum Security

For particularly sensitive data, the most secure method is to physically destroy the device’s storage medium. Techniques such as degaussing (using a strong magnetic field), shredding, or drilling can make the device permanently unusable. These methods require professional handling and render the device unsuitable for resale, so be sure to dispose of it through a certified e-waste recycling center.

3. Choose Certified E-Waste Recycling Providers

Make sure to use certified e-waste recyclers who follow strict data destruction protocols. Look for certifications such as R2, e-Stewards, or AS/NZS 5377, which confirm that the facility adheres to industry standards for secure data disposal. Organizations like SERI offer an online database of certified recycling facilities worldwide, making it easier for you to find trustworthy services.

4. Be Cautious When Selling or Donating Devices

Before selling or donating old devices, ensure that all data is securely wiped. Be extra cautious if your device is linked to cloud accounts and make sure to remove all personal information to prevent unauthorized access. A factory reset alone won’t fully secure your data, so take additional precautions to ensure complete data removal.

Legal Considerations for Businesses

Different regions have strict data protection laws that require businesses to handle and dispose of sensitive information responsibly. Failure to comply with these data disposal regulations can result in heavy fines and legal penalties. It’s important for businesses to understand and follow the data protection regulations in the regions where they operate, whether it’s in the European Union, the United States, Australia, or elsewhere.