- ICO finds that 75% of us are hanging on to old devices
- And 29% do not know how to delete their personal information
- There are several methods to delete your data, some easier than others.
Are you holding on to an old phone because you’re worried about the data it stores? A new report from the Information Commissioner’s Office shows you’re not alone, with one in five Britons reporting they were avoiding selling their old phones due to concerns about personal data being leaked.
The study found that three quarters of us (75%) keep old devices and the majority (71%) believe deleting their personal information is important, but almost a quarter of people believe it is too difficult to do (24% ).
Many lucky people will be treating themselves to a new device this Christmas, so if you’re one of the 29% who don’t know how to delete their personal information from their old device, we have some tricks for you.
how to be sure
There are a few ways to erase information from your device, including physical destruction, secure deletion software, and restoring to factory settings. These all have pros and cons, but can ultimately give you peace of mind.
You don’t need specialized equipment to physically destroy a device’s media, but if you want to continue using or sell the phone, this probably isn’t the best way forward, as removing the media can void the warranty and you’ll have to replace the storage ( and it is not a particularly sustainable option!).
Reverting to factory settings is easy and inexpensive, but may not be the safest, depending on the manufacturer’s process. Alternatively, we’ve listed the best data removal services, some of which have generous free trials you can take advantage of.
“We all have that drawer of doom or a cluttered closet of unused electrical appliances at home; in fact, there are more than 800 million items hidden in our homes,” said Scott Butler, CEO of Recycle Your Electricals.
“One of the benefits of taking the time to delete your data means that you may be able to safely sell some of your technology and electrical products and make some money after Christmas. Just be sure to follow Recycle Your Electrical Appliances guide to destroy all the data on your devices and our tips to get the best selling price.”
