The British Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) recently released a report highlighting the lack of knowledge among adults regarding the proper deletion of data from outdated devices. According to the report, many adults are unaware of how to delete data from old devices, while the younger generation often neglects the importance of this process. Data cleansing before disposing or reselling a device is crucial to safeguard personal information, yet a poll of 2170 people in the UK revealed that 29% of adults do not know how to perform this task.
While 71% of respondents acknowledged the importance of data deletion, 24% found the process too complicated. Consequently, a majority of people opt to keep old devices in storage, with three quarters admitting to hoarding at least one outdated device. The fear of information security prompted 20% of respondents to hold onto their old devices.
Interestingly, attitudes towards device cleaning vary based on age. Despite being considered more tech-savvy, 21% of young people do not see the importance of data deletion, with 23% expressing indifference towards their data. In comparison, only 4% of individuals over 55 years old are willing to ignore the process of data removal.
Despite 84% of respondents claiming to delete data before discarding a device, a significant portion still avoids this task by stashing old equipment in a “special box” filled with wires and gadgets deemed potentially useful in the future.
The survey also revealed that over a quarter (27%) of UK adults plan to purchase new devices during the holiday season, indicating a potential surge in the need for assistance with data cleansing before discarding old devices.
Suzan Gordon, the director of public consultation and complaints at the ICO, emphasized the importance of safe data removal, especially during the upcoming Christmas period. She urged individuals not to let old devices accumulate in storage and highlighted the simplicity of data cleansing through factory reset settings for adequate information protection.
Failure to properly clean old devices not only poses a risk of retaining forgotten data but also jeopardizes personal security. Simple actions like data cleansing before recycling can significantly enhance information protection, making it essential not to overlook this critical process.