In an increasingly digital world, changing mobile phones, computers, or tablets has become a common practice. However, what many users overlook is that disposing of these devices without taking precautions can pose a serious risk to their privacy. Spain, one of the European countries generating the most electronic waste according to UN data, faces a growing challenge in managing these devices, also known as e-waste.
Why is it a problem to throw away a device without deleting the data?
The devices we use in our daily lives store a significant amount of sensitive information: passwords, personal documents, emails, photographs, banking data, and even access to corporate accounts. “Even if we delete them from the hard drive, a knowledgeable professional can recover that data,” warns Josep Albors, director of Research and Awareness at the cybersecurity firm ESET Spain.
According to Albors, even physically damaged hard drives can be a source of information if not properly erased. This can open the door to cybercriminals, with consequences for both personal and professional spheres, especially if the device was used for remote work or accessing business systems.
Steps to safely dispose of a device
ESET suggests a series of key preventive measures before donating, selling, or discarding an electronic device:
- Back up your data: Before starting any deletion process, save all important information, whether documents, photographs, contacts, or messages. You can transfer them to your new device, an external hard drive, or the cloud.
- Log out of all your accounts: Make sure to log out of all accounts associated with the device, including social media, bank accounts, cloud services, and any app with automatic access. This prevents someone from accessing your information after acquiring or repairing the device.
- Deactivate software licenses: If you have installed paid programs or antivirus, unlink them from the old device to use them on the new one. Most companies provide guides on their websites to facilitate this process.
- Remove the SIM and SD card: Don’t forget to remove the SIM card if you plan to keep your number, and do the same with the microSD, SD Compact Flash, etc., if applicable. If not, destroy them to prevent any possible misuse.
- Reset the device to factory settings: On computers, tablets, or mobile phones, there is always an option to erase all settings and return the device to its original state. Even so, this measure alone is not always sufficient to eliminate all information.
- Use specialized secure erase tools: For a higher level of security, there are programs like Disk Wipe or Active KillDisk that permanently erase data from the disk so that it cannot be recovered later. Be sure to use reliable tools from official sources.
- Physically destroy the hard drive (optional): If you want to ensure that no one can access your information, you can extract the hard drive and destroy it manually. ESET recommends using safety glasses and gloves if you decide to smash the drive with a hammer.
Where to dispose of old devices?
Once you have ensured that the device is free of data, it is essential to dispose of it responsibly. In Spain, there are clean points and stores that collaborate in the collection of electronic waste. According to current regulations, throwing electronic devices in regular trash containers is prohibited and can result in fines.
By disposing of them properly, not only do you protect your personal information, but you also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste and promote a circular economy, as many components can be recycled or reused.
In summary
Beyond the convenience of upgrading a device, it is vital to remember the value of the information stored on them. Protecting our personal data, preventing potential identity theft, and contributing to the safe and sustainable disposal of old technology should be part of the process every time we say goodbye to an old device.