From the Division of Information Technology's Story Team
Wednesday, March 20, from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., is the final E-cycle electronics recycling event of the spring. Members of both the campus and city of Kent community can recycle used electronics through Infinite Electronics Recycling LLC, an R2 certified recycler, where materials are handled in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
In an era where technology evolves rapidly, the disposal of old electronics has become a common practice. However, amidst the eagerness to recycle and reduce e-waste, we often overlook a critical aspect: safeguarding our personal data.
Before handing over laptops or any electronic device for recycling, it's imperative to take proactive measures to ensure that sensitive information doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) recommends these essential steps to secure your data before our final E-cycle Drive of the year, Wednesday, March 20.
- Back Up Your Data: Begin by backing up all your essential files, documents, photos, and any other data stored on the device. This ensures that you don't lose valuable information during the data wiping process.
- Data Wiping or Factory Reset: Perform a thorough data wipe or factory reset on your device. This process removes all user data and restores the device to its original factory settings. However, it's crucial to note that a standard factory reset may not completely erase all data, so it's advisable to use specialized data wiping software for thorough removal.
- Remove External Storage Devices: If your laptop has external storage devices such as USB drives or SD cards, make sure to remove them before recycling. These devices may contain additional data that needs to be securely wiped or destroyed separately.
By following these steps, you can responsibly recycle your electronics while safeguarding your personal data from potential security breaches.
Remember, taking proactive measures to secure your data is essential as a member of the Kent State community. Protecting yourself protects all of us!
WRITTEN BY: ALISON HAYNES