Disposing Of Mobile Phones – Potential Data Leaks

By Guy Bunker | April 1, 2011 | 1 Comment 

Guy Bunker

In a recent survey, half of mobile phones that are recycled – and past on to a new owner – contain sensitive information. This shouldn’t really come as a surprise, as organizations are only just getting the message about disposing of old computer systems and ensuring the data has been suitably destroyed.

It is very easy, especially as an individual, to rush in and pick up a shiny new phone when the contract expires, or to request a new phone from the IT department when the corporate one dies. However, there needs to be awareness, by the user, that they should clear down all the data on it first. From a corporate perspective, this should also be done – a second time as a precautionary measure.

A quick email out to employees pointing out the issues with data on old phones when they are returned / recycled will go a long way in creating awareness around the problem – from both the personal and the corporate perspectives. And a check / update on security policies and procedures for mobile phone disposal will go a long way to sorting out the problem. Bearing in mind a lot of mobile devices are now just as powerful as laptops (in that they contain considerable quantities of sensitive data, and often have access to corporate applications over the Internet), the check should be made before the auditors come round and check for you…

Guy Bunker