How to wipe your data before you sell, donate, or recycle unwanted electronics - KOMO News

How to wipe your data before you sell, donate, or recycle unwanted electronics | KOMO

SEATTLE — Our digital devices are doomed to die or become obsolete. As we've reported, electronics contain a terrible mix of toxic chemicals and materials, so you should dispose of them properly. But before doing that (or donating or reselling them), you’ll need to make sure you’ve "wiped" the memory completely.

It's not enough to simply delete all your files; that usually won't permanently destroy digital data.

“We are led to believe deleting makes things permanently go away. The truth is that data can be retrieved in most cases,” said Chester Wisniewski, global field chief technology officer at Sophos, an international digital security company. “Not just police or forensic experts can access deleted data. The tools are available to almost anyone, including identity thieves and nosy second or third owners. The sensitive data includes text messages, photos, documents, email, and passwords.”

RELATED: Dealing with unwanted workout equipment? Consumer Reports offers solutions

Before getting rid of an old tablet, laptop, desktop computer, smartphone, or smart TV, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly “wipe” the memory.

Before starting, back up any files you want to keep to the cloud or another hard drive.

“You want to bring that device back to factory settings, and that means reinstalling the operating system,” said Robert Siciliano, a digital security expert with Protect Now, a cybersecurity consulting firm.

Follow the manufacturers’ instructions to remove data:

Doing a total reset on a PC still may not remove all your info and files; afterward, it’s a good idea to run a utility program, such as Disk Wipe or DBAN. Both of these free apps will destroy whatever data is left on the drive.

“These utility programs are designed to overwrite all the leftover data so that it’s indecipherable and really can’t be put back together to steal your identity,” Siciliano explained.

If your old device contains extremely sensitive data, or you just want to be extra careful, you may want to remove the hard drive and physically destroy it. A few good whacks with a hammer or a couple of holes drilled through the disc will do the trick. If you’ve been having trouble with your computer, you’ll find this task is very rewarding. If your device has a solid-state drive, deleting the files and performing a factory reset is sufficient — no need for safety goggles and a sledgehammer.

Follow these steps to delete your files and reset the device:

Also, if you are not going to reuse the SIM card, remove it and destroy it.

Log out of any subscription services (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, etc.) so they can’t be used by someone else.

Consumers’ Checkbook magazine and Checkbook.org is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help consumers get good service and low prices. It does this by providing unbiased ratings, advice, and price information. Checkbook is supported by consumers and takes no money from the service providers it evaluates. You can reach Herb at his website ConsumerMan.com.