Would you give all your personal information to any old person who happened to ask for it? Your phone numbers, addresses, bank account details, passwords or other sensitive detail.
Data security issues surrounding old computers are well documented. Most people would not think that the same issues apply to that old mobile phone when dropping it into the local collection box or freephone envelope. The reality is that people donating mobile phones for reuse need to be certain that the company handling their phone has a data security policy that guarantees the removal of any information contained in the phone memory. Removing the sim card does not delete the information from the phone memory
Regenersis, one of Europe’s largest mobile phone recycling and reuse companies, believes the vast majority of discarded mobile phones contain sensitive data. The UK firm studied a random sample of 2000 handsets processed during the first week in December last year and discovered that 99% contained some form of personal data including: contact details; SMS messages; pictures; music; videos; calendar entries; e-mails; notes; mailing lists; and to-do lists. In some cases, extremely sensitive information was found, such as bank details, addresses and confidential e-mails.
Mark Franklin, Managing Director of Regenersis, explains: ‘We processed over 2 million handsets in 2008. Data clearance of these handsets is critical to ensure the security of those who entrust their unwanted mobiles to us. This can often take as long as 30 minutes depending on the complexity of the handset, so only the most reputable firms bother to do this essential work.
Our advice to consumers is to check with the recycling firm to confirm that all data will be removed. If it isn’t, then think twice before sending them your handset as your data could end up in the wrong hands.
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