ELECTRONIC RECYCLING ASSOCIATION FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH: TIPS FOR DATA SECURITY

KEEPING UNWANTED ELECTRONIC GADGETS IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE INCREASES THE RISK OF LOSS OR THEFT, BOTH OF WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS PROBLEMS. ALL OF THE SENSITIVE INFORMATION YOU HAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER – BANKING INFORMATION, SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBERS AND PASSWORDS – IS EASILY RECOVERED BY TECH SAVVY SCAMMERS ONCE DEVICES ARE IN THEIR POSSESSION – YOUR PASSWORDS ARE NO MATCH FOR THEM. WHEN YOU GET A NEW DEVICE, MAKE SURE YOU DROP YOUR OLD DEVICE OFF TO A RESPONSIBLE E-WASTE PROCESSOR TO ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF YOUR INFO GETTING INTO THE WRONG HANDS.

FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH: TIPS FOR DATA SECURITY

AVOID HANGING ON TO OLD DEVICES:

Keeping unwanted electronic gadgets in your home or office increases the risk of loss or theft, both of which could lead to serious problems. All of the sensitive information you have on your computer –  banking information, social insurance numbers and passwords – is easily recovered by tech savvy scammers once devices are in their possession – your  passwords are no match for them. When you get a new device, make sure you drop your old device off to a responsible e-waste processor to eliminate the possibility of your info getting into the wrong hands.

GOT HARD DRIVES? CONSIDER GETTING THEM DESTROYED:

ERA’s Amerishred hard drive shredder ensures thorough destruction of storage devices

The best way  to guarantee your info remains private is to have drives, tapes and other storage  hardware physically destroyed. If you know how to remove storage devices, take them out and drill holes through them. Keep in mind that if you haven’t sufficiently damaged the internal bits of your device, data could still be recovered. Most e-waste firms have professional hard drive shredders that guarantee destruction, so consider requesting physical destruction when you drop off your device for processing. Remember to speak with a rep and request confirmation of destruction.

LOOKING TO DONATE YOUR DEVICE TO CHARITY? INVEST IN SOFTWARE-BASED DATA DESTRUCTION:

Or let your e-waste processor of choice do it for you. ERA uses a proven software called Blancco, a program that scrambles every ounce data on your device, from its binary base. Then it goes through and scrambles it again – 5 more times. Even the most advanced hacker won’t be able to recover that data. The benefit to this option is that storage devices can be safely reused by individuals who can’t afford brand new tech – so if you choose this option, well done!

ALWAYS GET PROOF OF DESTRUCTION:

ERA offers comprehensive reporting

Because if you don’t have proof, you’re liable if a data breach happens. Any reputable e-waste processor will provide you with a certificate of destruction (hardware or software based) that will   include the serial number, make and model of the device and the type of data sanitization used, all you need to do is ask. If they don’t offer certification, find a new processor.

DON’T THROW THEM IN THE GARBAGE!

Out of sight – out of mind need not  apply in this case. Once your device leaves your home or office it is vulnerable to recovery by the wrong type of people. Not only that, devices are highly toxic and non-biodegradable, and in some cases dumping devices is even illegal. Most recycling options are free and convenient, and many processors will come and pick up your equipment for a nominal fee or free of charge for larger quantities.

Ready to securely dispose of your old equipment and free up some valuable storage space? Contact ERA today, we’ll come pick up your equipment or work with you on a custom e-waste disposal plan. We offer plenty of options to help you keep your data safe:

PHYSICAL DATA DESTRUCTION (Amerishred Hard Drive Shredders)
OFF-SITE DESTRUCTION (ERA Destroys Data Storage Hardware at ERA Warehouse)
ON-SITE DESTRUCTION (ERA Destroys Data Storage Hardware at Client Location)
SELF SERVICE RENTAL (Client Rents Hard Drive Shredder and Performs Destruction On-Site)
SOFTWARE BASED ERASURE (Blancco)
REPORTING
Collection Certificate
Collection Inventory Spreadsheet (includes make, model and serial number)
Data Wipe Certificate
Certificate of Destruction
Donation in Kind Certificate