Don’t let e-waste jeopardize your security
E-waste includes discarded computers, office electronic equipment, entertainment device electronics, mobile phones, television sets and refrigerators — any used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal. But I want to concentrate on computers and mobile phones, so let’s start with your mobile device.
Most hold sensitive information like passwords, account numbers, email addresses, text message logs, and phone numbers. This is not the kind of information you want in the hands of the wrong person, so you must be vigilant when disposing of old cellphones.
Many devices have a “factory reset” which allows you to wipe out all the information in its memory. It’s always a good idea to make use of this function before disposing of your cell.
Sometimes you may be able to transfer information from one device to another before you erase or delete information from your existing phone.
Don’t think because you’ve wiped out your cellphone information you’re in the clear. Keep in mind many mobile devices store important information on a SIM or external SD card.
Make sure you remove these cards from your device or delete the data that’s stored on them. It’s always a good idea to make sure the data is gone by checking your photos, voicemails, dialed and received calls, phone book, history and various downloads and folders. Similarly, don’t assume because you deleted your computer files that you removed them from your computer.
When a file is deleted, it is not actually removed from the hard disk. All that happens is a certain marker is set on the hard disk to indicate the file is no longer available. Because the contents are still present on the hard disk, a crook could use a data recovery program and retrieve the file — or, at least, portions of it.
Did you know modern harddisk formatting utilities do not wipe the hard disk? They just reset some of the information in the hard disk. Identity thieves love to get their hands on old computers.
You’d be surprised how much personal information is collected on a computer over the course of one year — information a crook could use to either steal your identity or sell to other crooks. No wonder thieves trawl Internet auction sites for PCs and then recover deleted data with the help of specialist software.
So what kind of damage can a thief do with your old computer or cellphone? Unless you take the necessary precautions, you could be subject to purchases you haven’t made or you may notice that funds have been withdrawn from your bank accounts.
Your mailing address may have been changed so you don’t notice the illicit activity. The crook may establish new accounts in your name and not pay the bills, creating a credit risk for you.
He or she could go so far as renting a place for a marijuana grow op or applying for a mortgage for a marijuana grow op.
Such disreputable people could even access government social programs like unemployment, pension or social assistance on your behalf. They could use your identification to avoid prosecution, access government services or allow unwanted visitors to enter the country.
It’s very difficult for hardworking, honest folks to realize the damage these professional crooks can inflict on someone’s life. But let me tell you, it can be devastating. I’ve talked to many people who have almost had their lives destroyed by these dangerous individuals.
The next time you think about selling your computer or cellphone on eBay, make sure you permanently delete all personal files and information. There’s no way to ensure that the person who buys your computer isn’t a crook who makes his living downloading free software so he can recover your sensitive deleted files.
Unless you’re a computer whiz, I don’t recommend you wipe your computer files yourself. It’s better to take it to a certified refurbisher who will safeguard your data by using secure data destruction standards. And if you can’t afford a refurbisher, maybe think about purchasing a sledgehammer.