Are you adequately covering data security regarding the end-of-life of your IT assets? Failing to do so can result in e-waste hacking.
Ingram Micro Lifecycle works with customers globally to manage asset disposition while keeping data compliant. Our ITAD and depot services ensure a transparent chain of custody with full asset tracking to give customers complete visibility.
Below, we discuss the rise of e-waste hacking and mitigate against this kind of data leaking.
The rise of e-waste
E-waste is the term given to discarded, unused, or waste electronics that have a battery or a plug. Typically, these products are found in landfill sites, but they can also be kept in storage, either with businesses or with consumers.
It was reported in 2024 that e-waste generation was growing five times faster than electronics recycling. This means the mountain of discarded tech will grow quicker than the more sustainable alternative. In 2022, 62 million tonnes was generated, and is expected to grow to 82 million tonnes in 2030.
E-waste is broken, faulty, or obsolete technology. These products become unwanted, reach their end-of-life, and are thrown away. Out of sight, out of mind.
But what about the residual data risks that these used products pose?
E-waste hacking
As the volume of unwanted technology grows, so do the risks of opportunists finding assets and recovering residual data.
The people hacking e-waste do just that. These are the people who acquire pre-owned technology to access data. The technology may be stolen, or it may be bought from disreputable partners who have been trusted to dispose of the technology. They use software or simply power up the device.
Once they have access to your data, they can commit impersonation, extortion, data leaks, phishing scams, cyberattacks, and more.
Prevent end-of-life data leaks
One key way to ensure your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands after your IT assets leave your facilities is IT Asset Disposition. When you no longer have a use for a device, look for a partner that offers complaint data wiping.
An established ITAD provider will have a range of service options available. They should tailor and customize the program based on the data and security scenarios specific to your business. ITAD shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all solution.
Your chosen ITAD partner should hold up-to-date, relevant certifications, such as e-Stewards. This demonstrates their commitment to industry-recognized standards and ensures the compliant recycling of your end-of-service assets. Your ITAD partner will supply a serialized Certificate of Data Erasure & Destruction for each asset they process. This gives you the peace of mind that data is no longer accessible.
An ITAD provider uses a set of high-tech and robust process controls to reduce risks, training employees who handle client assets. They’ll use industry- and process-specific management systems.
Companies sometimes lose sight of the fact that high-limit liability coverage and even insurance don't reduce the risk of asset and data losses. You can protect yourself from the consequences of the event, but you should take steps to prevent the problem in the first place. An experienced ITAD provider is not only aware of the risk factors around end-of-life assets, but they're motivated to reduce that risk.
Once the data has been compliantly wiped, the asset can be recycled or recovered for reuse.
By partnering with a major provider, and by implementing data security measures as foundational elements of your technology disposition, you’ll mitigate against e-waste hacking.
Protect your assets from e-waste hacking
E-waste hacking is becoming an increased risk and prevention must be considered as part of your infosec policies. The residual data can be used against your business in multiple ways, impacting you financially and reputationally.
Ingram Micro Lifecycle supports customers in the optimization of IT and technology asset lifecycles. Through comprehensive end-to-end services, we facilitate repair and refurbishment processes, extending the longevity and value of your technology investments. When a device cannot be feasibly recovered, our ITAD solutions provide peace of mind data destruction.
Contact us today to find out more.
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