When disposing of your old electronic products, it is imperative that you get rid of any of your personal data that might be lingering on those devices. This may not seem like it would be a big deal, but if your personal information or your businesses data ends up in the wrong hands, you could be in a world of trouble. Going through and just deleting your files is not enough though, as the information stored in your devices are never truly gone. Hackers and people who are out to steal your information are trained in being able to recover deleted files. Whether it is your personal data or your businesses data, you need to destroy your information completely before you recycle your electronics to prevent a catastrophe. Now how do you actually completely destroy the information saved in your device?
Data destruction is a secure way to get rid of every piece of information in your device, and goes much farther than just deleting files or emptying the trash on your computer. Back when technology wasn’t as common as it is today, data could be destroyed by simply shredding papers. Since we rely on technology so heavily now in both our personal and professional lives, that just simply isn’t enough. Here are some of the common types of data destruction offered.
Data Wiping
This method usually involves connecting a hard drive to either a software or a wiping device, and it basically dismantles the device to where it is no longer usable and data can not be retrieved. Though this is a very effective method, it can be time consuming. This form of data destruction works better for personal devices, as businesses with large amounts of data would require hours and hours using this software to completely wipe all of their information.
Degaussing
This is one of the most secure forms of data destruction because it involves using a strong magnet system that obliterates the device. Since it is a very secure process, it is usually used by people who store highly sensitive information on their devices, such as government officials or military personnel. It also is a quick process, unlike data wiping which can take hours.
Physical Destruction
This is considered the most safe form of data destruction. Physically destroying a storage device is highly effective because it reduces that device to a size where you can neither repair it or retrieve any memory from it. Hard drive shedding, melting, or crushing are some of the more common forms of physical destruction that ensure your device and data is completely inaccessible. These methods are useful for businesses or companies that have a large quantity of data that needs to be destroyed, and it can be done in a timely manner.
There are many different methods that you can choose from when destroying your data on your electronic device. It is important to choose the right method for you or your business to ensure that your data does not end up in the wrong hands. This post was written by Steven Elia Co-Founder and Recycling Director at eCycle Florida. eCycle Florida is a R2 Certified electronics recycling company in the state of Florida. Our processes and procedures are dedicated to the proper destruction and recycling of your electronics. eCycle Florida is your go-to for electronic recycling in Tampa
