How to Safely Retire Old Devices

January 28, 2022

It’s inevitable that we’ll retire old devices to upgrade to the latest and greatest. A new laptop, desktop, or phone is exciting. Yet, before you get too distracted by your shiny, new device, take the time to safely retire the old one.

When buying the new device you may take trade-in value. Otherwise, you may let that old iPad sit in your drawer for another couple of years. Either way, it’s important to take some key steps to protect the data on that old device before moving on.

Backup the old device

Most devices today have a backup feature installed. Be sure to use it before you retire an old smartphone or tablet. This ensures you’ll have continued access to your photos, texts, and contacts. Settings and apps are typically automatically backed up for download to a new device.

When retiring a computer or storage device, backups protect against critical information loss. You may also need evidence of device decommissioning to meet regulatory requirements.

Reconfigure your 2FA

Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects you in case someone gains access to your password. Typically, this is an email or text notification sent to your phone. You might also have a 2FA code generator on your phone to strengthen your security. Either way, you’ll need to set up a fresh 2FA app on the new device or you risk getting locked out of all your accounts.

Wipe the old device

Whether you decide to sell the device or not, you still want to secure your data by wiping that device clean. Deleting a file is not enough. Even if you go to the recycling or trash bin of the device and delete the item “permanently,” that’s not enough. Reinstalling the operating system is not enough either.

You need to actually overwrite the data so that it cannot be recovered. Otherwise, hackers with use software to search the drive for sensitive information.

Know where your old devices are

Don’t get sloppy with your old devices. You could leave a treasure trove of data available if that device gets lost or stolen. You’re less likely to notice the device is gone if you put it up on that shelf in the office supply closet. So, be sure to put any old devices, already wiped, in a safe place.

Consider destroying your hard drives

When it comes to securing old hard drives, many businesses will actually destroy them. This means literally breaking them down so that data is almost impossible to recover. Destroying the hard drive renders the hardware completely unusable or repairable.

Let a pro help

When you’re upgrading to new devices, get an IT expert to help. We can migrate all your necessary information to the new device and securely destroy data on the old one. Contact us today at (416) 848-6218 or 1 (888) 268-2564!

More To Explore

Low cost, low effort, effective Patch Management

February 26, 2023

Patch Management doesn’t have to be complex or costly. Keeping your computers up to date with the latest software updates and security patches is essential

Securing Your Legacy Architecture: Why and How

September 27, 2022

Some business applications are so essential they are always on, 24/7. That makes them difficult to update or replace. You may also have hardware or

The Rise of Vishing Attacks: Understanding the Threat

September 22, 2022

As technology evolves, so do the methods used by cybercriminals to target individuals and businesses. Voicemail phishing, also known as vishing, is the latest threat

Talk to Your Staff About Tech Success and Stumbling Blocks

September 20, 2022

You may be in charge of tech for your entire business, but that doesn’t mean you actually use all the technology you source, install, and

Data Breaches Are Getting Worse: Know the Basics

September 15, 2022

The exposure of sensitive information can be disastrous for individuals, businesses, or governments. Yet data breaches aren’t going away. The first data breach compromised more

How to Reduce PC Power Consumption

September 13, 2022

You probably grew up having a parent saying, “turn the lights off!” That was the number-one way to save on the power bill. But now,

We Love to help

We’re dedicated to offering you the best services for your business. Whether you need a one-time solution or ongoing support, you can count on us to get the job done well. Even if you don’t quite know what problem you are looking to solve, our outstanding team is standing by with all the solutions in-hand. Complete the contact form below and start erasing your problems.

Is Managed Service a good fit for my business?

If your business is among those that require efficient, sophisticated technological guidance and protections, the ongoing support of an MSP can be a game changer.

If you’d like to learn more about the types of managed services that we offer, contact us directly

We Are A Company Made Up Of People Who Love What They Do.

Combining an extensive set of individual talents and over 30 years of professional IT experience, our team has come together with a shared goal: serving small businesses.