The continuing emergence of the Internet of Things puts new burdens on the ITAD industry as the scope and range of electronic devices connecting to the internet creates new disposal requirements for devices traditionally thrown away. Certain common devices may immediately come to mind, but the IoT extends beyond cell phones, computers and tablets. What many people don’t realize is the range of devices included in the IoT that use WiFi to process information.
Electronics used in everyday life such as, security systems, Roombas, baby monitors, activity trackers, motion detectors, even the Owlet that tracks an infant’s heart rate are included in the IoT, and each one collects information. While Roombas clean the floor they’re also processing the layout of the house, and storing that information via machine learning. Activity trackers store health information and some use GPS coordinates to track everyday jogging routes. Home security systems record audio and videos of visitors, and depending on where the camera is located, could also provide someone with the location of the home if that information fell into the wrong hands. As IoT continues to grow rapidly, so does the risk of potential data breaches.
Data security should be a top priority for any company, especially those who incorporate security systems, or any type of machine learning technology. With as much information as IoT devices store, data erasure is critical in the disposal process. Electronic disposal isn’t as simple as tossing used electronics into a garbage can. IT asset disposition is a process engineered specifically for old electronics, and it is even more important to find a proper disposal method for IoT devices in general due to the amount of personal data they collect. Data erasure helps prevent any personal information from being leaked, and is a key element to look for when choosing an ITAD provider. It is important to find a company that wipes all personal data from any device to ensure that no data breaches occur.
HOBI International Inc. uses a variety of data erasure tools, including an internally developed, remote NIST-compliant data erasure program, the HOBI Shield®, which completely removes data from computers at no cost to the client, ensuring peace of mind for customers that their personal information is safe during every stage of disposition.
For more information about our ITAD services, contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com, or call 877-814-2620.