Disposal of Mobile Devices: Security Risks

For many of today’s businesses, mobile devices are standard operating equipment. They are used by all manner of employees for keeping in contact with the main office when traveling, for processing payments on-demand, and for a wide array of other essential business-related tasks. As a result, many such organizations update their mobile technology on a regular basis to help ensure their operations remain as reliable and efficient as possible.

But, every time a company upgrades its mobile infrastructure, it can face certain mobile device security risks if it doesn’t have a proper disposal strategy in place. Here, we take a look at mobile phone disposal and why it is so important to partner with a reliable ITAD provider.

Mobile Phone Disposal and Recycling

Most organizations should now be aware of their responsibilities concerning e-waste and how it should be handled. But, what many don’t realize is that mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, fall under the same EPA e-waste compliance regulations as desktop computers, laptops, monitors, and other equipment. Additionally, because these devices also store data, they should similarly be wiped clean prior to disposal or resale.

The primary problem in this equation is that many mobile devices use solid state drive (SSD) technology, and this type of drive can be difficult to wipe completely clean of data using standard disc-wiping software. Add to this the fact that mobile devices come in a variety of operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows 8, RIM, and others, and ensuring a totally clean erase can be challenging.

Three Things to Ask Your ITAD Provider

Due to the complexities of secure data erasure and compliant disposal of old cell phones, smartphones, and tablets, it is very important that your organization utilize an ITAD provider that is capable of delivering the results you need to protect your business, your clients, and your customers. In order to help ensure that the provider you are considering is able to deliver such results, you should ask them the following three questions:

1. Does the firm’s mobile device and tablet disposal process meet the same corporate requirements as all other data bearing devices for data erasure?
2. Does the firm provide auditable records that comply with special industry regulations like PCI, HIPPA/HITECH, SOX, and others?
3. If any devices are determined to be ineligible for redeployment in the business or for selling on the secondary market, will such devices be disposed of and recycled in compliance with all environmental regulations?

 Maximize Mobile Device Security and Ensure Safe and Proper Disposal with Liquid Technology

If your organization relies on its mobile infrastructure, then you need to ensure that it is partnered with an ITAD vendor that can maintain its mobile device security through DOD-certified data erasure and EPA-compliant disposal and recycling of any devices that can’t be redeployed or re-sold. Liquid Technology is a leading provider of ITAD services for all manner of technology, including mobile devices.

Liquid Technology uses Blannco’s proprietary mobile client software, the industry’s first data erasure platform designed specifically for wiping SSD drives and we provide an auditable report with every transaction. In addition, we are ISO-14001-certified, a member of NAID, and an e-Stewards Enterprise, so you can rest assured knowing that your e-waste is being handled properly by our e-Stewards downstream partners. Contact us today by calling our toll-free number, by email or simply complete our quick form and a Liquid Technology Assessment Specialist will promptly respond to you. Feel free to include a spreadsheet of your excess mobile devices to help expedite the process.