---
title: Keys to Safely Dispose of Old Technology [Cyber24 Podcast]
description: So, what exactly are you supposed to do with an old laptop, tablet or phone? How you dispose of your e-waste can put your personal data at risk. Tune into this episode of Cyber24 to learn more.
---

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# [Keys to Safely Dispose of Old Technology [Cyber24 Podcast]](https://blog.vlcm.com/blog/keys-to-safely-dispose-of-old-technology-cyber24)

 Written by [VLCM](https://blog.vlcm.com/blog/author/vlcm) | Nov 9, 2018 5:01:30 PM

 

So, what exactly are you supposed to do with an old laptop, tablet or phone? In this week's episode of Cyber24, we discuss how improper disposing of e-waste can put your personal data at risk.

**From Cyber24:**

Podcast: [Play in new window](https://media.blubrry.com/cyber24/p/content.blubrry.com/cyber24/Episode_35-Keys_to_safely_dispose_of_old_technology.mp3) | [Download](https://media.blubrry.com/cyber24/s/content.blubrry.com/cyber24/Episode_35-Keys_to_safely_dispose_of_old_technology.mp3)

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In our last episode, I talked about some new tech at our house and the chain reaction of resetting computers, reinstalling operating systems, updating passwords and other security measures. We outlined the top ten things you need to do before connecting a new computer to the internet.

One thing we did not discuss is that we ended up with one laptop at the end of its life cycle. So, for a couple of weeks, there has been this outdated laptop sitting in my office and, frankly, I’m not sure what to do with it.  

In addition to effectively securing sensitive information on electronic devices, it is important to follow best practices for electronic device disposal.

Computers, smartphones, and cameras allow you to keep a great deal of information at your fingertips, but when you dispose of, donate, or recycle a device you may inadvertently disclose sensitive information which could be exploited by cyber criminals.

Types of electronic devices include:

- **Computers, Smartphones, and Tablets** — electronic devices that can automatically store and process data; most contain a central processing unit and memory, and use an operating system that runs programs and applications.
- **Digital Media** — these electronic devices create, store, and play digital content. Digital media devices include items like digital cameras and media players.
- **External Hardware and Peripheral Devices** — hardware devices that provide input and output for computers, such as printers, monitors, and external hard drives; these devices contain permanently stored digital characters.
- **Gaming Consoles** — electronic, digital, or computer devices that output a video signal or visual image to display a video game.

### **What are some effective methods for removing data from your device?**

There are a variety of methods for permanently erasing data from your devices (also called sanitizing). Because methods of sanitization vary according to device, it is important to use the method that applies to that particular device.

Methods for sanitization include:

- **Backing Up Data.** Saving your data to another device or a second location (e.g., an external hard drive or the cloud) can help you recover your data if your device is stolen. Options for digital storage include cloud data services, CDs, DVDs, and removable flash drives or removable hard drives (see [ST08-001 Using Caution with USB Drives](https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST08-001) and [ST04-020 Protecting Portable Devices: Data Security](https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-020) for more information). Backing up your data can also help you identify exactly what information a thief may have been able to access.
- **Deleting Data.** Removing data from your device can be one method of sanitization. When you delete files from a device—although the files may appear to have been removed—data remains on the media even after a delete or format command is executed. Do not rely solely on the deletion method you routinely use, such as moving a file to the trash or recycle bin or selecting “delete” from the menu. Even if you empty the trash, the deleted files are still on device and can be retrieved. Permanent data deletion requires several steps.

 

 

- **Overwriting.** Another method of sanitization is to delete sensitive information and write new binary data over it. Using random data instead of easily identifiable patterns makes it harder for attackers to discover the original information underneath. Since data stored on a computer is written in binary code—strings of 0s and 1s—one method of overwriting is to zero-fill a hard disk and select programs that use all zeros in the last layer. Users should overwrite the entire hard disk and add multiple layers of new data (three to seven passes of new binary data) to prevent attackers from obtaining the original data.

 

- **Destroying.** Physical destruction of a device is the ultimate way to prevent others from retrieving your information. Specialized services are available that will disintegrate, burn, melt, or pulverize your computer drive and other devices. These sanitization methods are designed to completely destroy the media and are typically carried out at an outsourced metal destruction or licensed incineration facility. If you choose not to use a service, you can destroy your hard drive by driving nails or drilling holes into the device yourself. The remaining physical pieces of the drive must be small enough (at least 1/125 inches) that your information cannot be reconstructed from them. There are also hardware devices available that erase CDs and DVDs by destroying their surface.

 

For more information, see the [NIST Special Publication 800-88 Guidelines for Media Sanitization](https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-88r1.pdf).

### **How can you safely dispose of out-of-date electronic devices?**

Electronic waste (sometimes called [e-waste](https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/cleaning-electronic-waste-e-waste)) is a term used to describe electronics that are nearing the end of their useful life and are discarded, donated, or recycled. Although donating and recycling electronic devices conserves natural resources, you may still choose to dispose of e-waste by contacting your local landfill and requesting a designated e-waste drop off location. Be aware that although there are many options for disposal, it is your responsibility to ensure that the location chosen is reputable and certified. Visit the [Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Electronics Donation and Recycling webpage](https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling) for additional information on donating and recycling electronics. For information on recycling regulations and facilities in your state, visit the [EPA Regulations, Initiatives, and Research on Electronics Stewardship webpage](https://www.epa.gov/smm-electronics/regulations-initiatives-and-research-electronics-stewardship).

[View full post](https://blog.vlcm.com/blog/keys-to-safely-dispose-of-old-technology-cyber24)

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