Identity Management Day -  Your Old Electronics.

Identity Management Day. #beidentitysmart! Safeguard Data on Your Old Electronics.

Study Found 40% of Used Devices Contain Personally Identifiable Information

published
April 13, 2021
News

While auction, resale, and recycling sites have created a convenient way to reuse or extend the life an electronic- devices, there is also valuable data that the people are unintentionally leaving behind.  

NAID, the National Association for Information Destruction, conducted the largest second-hand device study revealing that 40% of devices resold in regular commerce channels contained personally identifiable information.  And this was without taking any heroic efforts to acquire the data, just commercially available software tools you can get off the internet. The study included hard drives, smartphones and tablets.   

The personally identifiable information recovered included 

  • credit card information, 
  • contact information, 
  • usernames and passwords, 
  • company and personal data, 
  • tax details, and more. 

While mobile phones had less recoverable personal information at 13%, tablets were disturbingly found with the highest amount at 50%, and hard drives came in a close second with 44%.

The secure handling of the data on your end-of-life electronics is just as critical as your online data.  It requires the same level of discipline and safeguarding.  You want to ensure your electronics recycler is complying with the highest level of data destruction, NIST 800-88, and that they provide you a certificate of data destruction.

Click here to read the full NAID report.

More News

News

Celebrate Data Privacy Week 2025 with 4THBIN: Take Control of Your Data

Data Privacy Week 2025 is here, and it’s the perfect time to think about how we manage our data, both online and offline. The theme this year, "Take Control of Your Data," emphasizes the importance of understanding the value of the data we create every day. From browsing habits to health data tracked by apps, our personal information is constantly being collected. This data is valuable to companies, but the good news is you have the power to control how it’s used. At 4THBIN, we believe data privacy should be a priority not just for individuals, but for businesses as well - and it extends beyond the digital world to your old electronics. 

News

A Responsible Holiday Season - Secure Your E-Waste Before the New Year

While we’re busy decking the halls and making New Year’s resolutions, it’s easy to forget the environmental impact of all the electronic waste we generate year-round. With tech advancing faster than ever, devices often have short lifespans and are discarded in large quantities. 4THBIN is ready to help you responsibly close out the year and keep both your data and the planet safe!

News

Happy ThanksBINning from 4THBIN!

This Thanksgiving, as we reflect on what we’re thankful for, we want to recognize the collective effort we’re all making in the fight against e-waste. It’s not just about managing old electronics; it’s about taking responsibility for the environment and making sure our data stays secure.

News

Happy Halloween from 4THBIN!

At 4THBIN, we are committed to transforming this frightening reality into a more sustainable celebration. We believe it’s possible to enjoy all the creepy festivities while still being mindful of our environment. Our mission is to raise awareness about responsible consumption and disposal practices, particularly during this waste-heavy holiday.

News

Celebrate National E-Waste Day 2024 with 4THBIN!

Happy National E-Waste Day! Each year on October 14, we have the opportunity to highlight the importance of recycling electronics and raising awareness about the environmental and health impacts of electronic waste. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, millions of discarded devices accumulate, creating a significant challenge for our communities and the planet.

Event

4THBIN and Broadway Green Alliance Team Up for a Fall 2024 E-Waste Drive
November 20, 2024
Drop-off Event

4THBIN and Broadway Green Alliance Team Up for a Fall 2024 E-Waste Drive

We are excited to announce our collaboration with environmental innovators, Broadway Green Alliance (BGA) for a Fall E-Waste Drive.

Join us for a Clothing Sale and Electronics Recycling Event!
October 27, 2024
Drop-off Event

PS 29 Rummage Sale Fall 2024 - Neighborhood Recycling Event

Join us for an exciting electronic recycling event in partnership with PS 29! Open to everyone, this is a wonderful opportunity to securely and sustainably dispose of your outdated electronics.

Free Residential E-Waste Events in Association with The Lower East Side Ecology Center
Drop-off Event

Free Residential E-Waste Events in Association with The Lower East Side Ecology Center

We are excited to announce we have teamed up with the The Lower East Side Ecology Center for a series of free residential e-waste drop off events! These events serve as a convenient and responsible way for members of our community to dispose of their electronic waste.