The Importance of Proper Disposal of Connected Devices

It is a well-known and unfortunate fact that technology does not last forever, and in today’s era of upgrades, no time has this been more true than in the modern day. Therefore, it makes sense for businesses to have a plan in place for when it does come time to replace older devices. This, of course, involves the proper disposal of connected devices, a practice that could very easily be done in a way that is both destructive to the environment and devastating for data privacy if done improperly. We’re here to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Let’s go over some reasons why it is beneficial to work with trusted technology professionals when disposing of your old connected devices.

It’s Good for the Environment

Before you throw away an old device, consider what happens to it after it leaves your office. Chances are it will just get shipped to a landfill somewhere in an off-shores country where it will sit for who knows how long. This is unfortunate, as devices are manufactured with parts that contain precious metals and other hazardous or harmful materials that can seep into the ground and contaminate it. Furthermore, doesn’t it just seem like a waste to you? All of these devices—some of which might still be functional—just getting tossed into the trash? There has to be a better way to dispose of devices.

To keep the environment cleaner and safer, it helps to work with a managed service provider to ensure that your device will not wind up in a landfill. Depending on the age and condition of the device, it might also be repurposed or donated to others in need. Just make sure that the device is properly wiped before being disposed of. Speaking of which...

Data Privacy is Critical

While recycling or repurposing your old devices rather than throwing them away is great for the environment, the primary reason why your business must be cognizant of device disposal is the security ramifications of not doing so. If you improperly dispose of devices, there could still be sensitive data on the device that could lead to a data breach somewhere down the road. This might seem like a rather innocent thing and a wild possibility, but we assure you that even if your device isn’t discovered by a hacker, this could have very real consequences. For example, Morgan Stanley was fined an exorbitant $60 million in 2020 for failing to wipe its devices of personal data prior to disposal.

Deleting files on your devices is not enough. Due to the way that files are stored on devices, you want to work with a professional to ensure that no traces of data remain on your end-of-life devices before you dispose of them.

Understand Your Technology’s End of Life Timeline

In today’s era of upgrades, replacing devices often happens prematurely. The next big thing comes out and everyone jumps on the bandwagon, eager to take advantage of the next new solution. This leads to implementing new technology for absolutely no reason, meaning that perfectly fine devices get thrown away or disposed of simply due to the urge to get something shiny and new.

On the other side of this impulse are businesses that might try to cut costs by using technology until it absolutely has to be replaced, oftentimes right up until the device’s operating system or installed applications’ end-of-life date. This is a dangerous practice in and of itself, as hackers are always looking for the next window into your organization’s defenses. Yet, you will eventually have to replace these devices, so how can you go about this process in a safe and secure way?

We recommend working with Network Solutions Unlimited to properly dispose of your retired connected devices. Our technicians can ensure that not only are your devices wiped of any and all important data, but also that the device follows the appropriate channels to be recycled in an environmentally friendly way. To learn more, reach out to us at (217) 428-6449.