A new survey from the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) reveals that nearly a third of adults in the UK don’t know how to properly wipe their old electronic devices before discarding them. This lack of awareness poses a significant risk to personal data security.
The survey found that while 71% of respondents agree that wiping data from old devices is important, 24% find the process too difficult. Worryingly, 21% of young people (aged 18-34) believe wiping data is unnecessary, compared to just 4% of those over 55. This suggests a concerning lack of awareness among younger generations about the importance of data security.
The ICO emphasizes the importance of securely erasing personal information before disposing of old devices to prevent data breaches and fraud. Simple methods like factory resets can effectively erase most personal data from mobile phones.
With the holiday season approaching and many people expected to purchase new devices, the ICO urges individuals to prioritize data security and properly dispose of their old electronics.