Secure repurposing or disposal of computing devices
Always use a formal data removal process before disposing of an old computer, smartphone, or data storage device. Normal "erasing" of files does not remove data from a storage device, it just tells the computer that the old data sectors are now available to be overwritten. The old data remains in place, and is thus a major security risk for data breaches and identity theft.
Secure data removal accomplishes two important things:
Current computing devices can hold so much data that users can easily lose track of what is on their machines, particularly if the machine was inherited from another user. In about one-;third of data breaches the owner of the computer had no idea that the computer contained sensitive data.
Secure data removal
- Read the Yale policy guidelines in place for the Disposal of Media Containing Confidential or Protected Health Information.
- If you store unencrypted Yale 2-Lock or 3-Lock data on your computer's hard drive, the drive should never be returned to the manufacturer or a non-Yale service center for repair or warrantee replacement.
- If you have inherited a computer from a previous user, it is usually best to have your computing service provider reformat the hard disk and install a fresh instance of the operating system. That way you can be sure that you have not inadvertently inherited confidential data.
- Always backup regularly and configure your computer files yourself, so that you understand what directories contain files, data, and email.
| Safeguard | Reset passwords and wipe data Prepare the machine or device for re-deployment or disposal by removing your data and resetting your passwords. |
|
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | |
| How to get it | Ask your support provider for assistance. | |
| PC: | Visit the Software Library for Data Removal Service software. | |
| Mac: | Delete data and use Secure Empty Trash (Mac OS X 10.3) or use the technique to zero all data on the disk | |
| PDA or Smartphone: | Before handing down or giving away an older model, make sure you reset the passwords and perform a hard reset to remove any data. | |
