In today's digital world, cybercrime is a threat to our private data and security. Many of us have old phones, tablets, and laptops sitting in a drawer. We no longer need them, but we're also not sure what to do with them.
These forgotten electronics pose a risk to our security. If they are not disposed of properly, they can leak toxic chemicals and sensitive data. And with Americans owning an average of 24 electronic items in their homes, neglecting to dispose of these items correctly is putting individuals at significant risk of cybercrime.
What is cybercrime?
Cybercrime is an online criminal activity that targets computer networks and devices. Cybercriminals (otherwise referred to as "hackers") want to make money, and they do this by stealing online data and selling it. They typically do this in the following ways:
- Email fraud
- Identity theft and fraud
- Stealing financial information or card payment data
- Stealing and then selling corporate data
- Demanding money to prevent an attack
- Compromising secure networks
- Illegal gambling
Often, cybercriminals target computers and infect them with malware that damages the device. This allows them to steal the data they want.
In the case of old or unused electronic devices that are carelessly thrown away, cybercriminals can hack these for information and extort this data for a high price.
An introduction to e-waste security and hacking
One of the biggest risks to e-waste is cybercrime. E-waste can pose a serious security risk to individuals and the businesses they work for, exposing sensitive information to hackers.
This is because e-waste that has not been properly disposed of contains personal and even confidential information users may have neglected to erase before discarding their tech.
The risk to individuals
While you might assume that your old electronics are safe from breaches because they're broken, this isn't the case.
Even if you take the time to manually erase data from your electronic devices, digital traces remain and cybercriminals can access these using specialized tools—gaining access to everything from your sensitive personal information and bank details to your photos and Social Security number.
How to mitigate risk
The solution to mitigate this risk is to properly manage your e-waste recycling through a certified company. This will ensure that data is destroyed in a compliant manner before your electronics are sustainably recycled or reused.
How likely is hacking after improper e-waste disposal?
Electronics are replaced by Americans at an alarming rate. In fact, an internet-savvy American is estimated to go through about 1,939 pounds of electronics in their lifetime.
With so many electronics disposed of on a regular basis, the possibility of e-waste hacking is becoming a growing concern. Many people, once they've thrown something away, don't give it a second thought.
In fact, according to Science Direct, "Many consumers are unaware that data remains on devices even after deletion or formatting, making it vulnerable to restoration and misuse. This poses significant risks to personal and institutional confidentiality, as well as national security, when e-waste is improperly managed."
Overlooked e-waste has the potential to cause a significant breach of our private data, in addition to risking human and environmental health by leaking hazardous chemicals and toxins into landfills.
The risk to individuals and the organizations they work for is significant. Therefore, proper e-waste management is something that individuals and businesses should prioritize.
How to protect your business from cybercrime
In today's fast-paced digital world, electronics can be made redundant very quickly. If businesses want to keep up and continue working efficiently, they must update their systems as necessary. Failing to do so can have a detrimental effect on business performance and costs.
Unfortunately, investing in new technologies business-wide can be hugely expensive. It is unsurprising then that, alongside the pressure to cut costs and support a smooth transition to better tech, managers are unenthusiastic about spending further time and money on professional data destruction and electronic disposal.
However, proper IT asset management and recycling is essential to keep your business and employees safe from data breaches and cyberattacks.
How to protect your electronics from hacking
As you can see, e-waste hacking is a very real threat and one that can have far-reaching consequences. Here are some of the methods we highly recommend if you're looking to protect your electronics from hacking.
Reduce electronic purchases
Of course, the first step in limiting your risk of hacking is to reduce your electronics purchases. You don't have to buy the latest smartphone or update your laptop to the latest model. Reducing unnecessary electronic purchases is a great way to limit your exposure to hackers because it means you dispose of fewer electronics.
Back-ups
You must back-up your electronics regularly, both in case of hacking and accidental loss. Backing up your devices ensures that any lost information can be retrieved. This is especially important if you work in a demanding work environment and are feeling burned out; you're more likely to make mistakes if you're burned out, so back-ups are even more essential.
Encryption
Whenever you are sharing sensitive personal or business information (from passwords to client details), encryption should be mandatory. Encryption keeps your data confidential and secure, making it difficult for hackers to access information you're sharing across digital channels.
Firewalls
Installing firewalls is an essential part of protecting your data from hackers. Firewalls create a digital barrier between your device and websites or downloads that could be malicious. They can also filter out IP addresses that look suspicious, keeping your networks secure and your data private.
Updates
Keeping your software updated ensures your electronics are protected from the latest security threats and don't have any areas of weakness.
Anti-virus software
Hackers will sometimes use cybersecurity scams to gain access to your personal and confidential data by sending a virus to your device. This could be a link in a text message or email address and, when clicked on, it gives hackers access to your digital data.
Using anti-virus software is an excellent way to protect your electronics from cyberattacks, giving you peace of mind.
Set strong passwords
Do you use the same password for everything? It's time to change it. Password managers can provide and store strong passwords for all of your accounts. The more secure your passwords are, the less likely you are to be exposed to a cyberattack.
Dispose of e-waste properly
Devices that become e-waste fuel cybercrime when not properly disposed of. When it comes time to dispose of your electronic devices, don't simply wipe them and then throw them in the trash. Invest in an e-waste asset management company which can dispose of your data compliantly and recycle your electronics in a sustainable manner.
Recycling security is an investment. We understand that it comes at an extra cost, but it's far better to pay for an electronic disposal service than later discover that your data has been hacked and information you thought was secure is now in the hands of cybercriminals.
How to protect your electronics from hacking
E-waste can give cybercriminals the access they need to retrieve and exploit sensitive information. You must be vigilant and put security measures in place on all your electronics to keep your information safe.
We hope this article has highlighted the very real threat of cybercrime and provided you with management techniques that help you dispose of your e-waste carefully and keep your data secure—just as it should be.
