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NCCIC Security Tip: Proper Disposal of Electronic Devices

NCCIC Security Tip: Proper Disposal of Electronic Devices

Created: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 - 11:27
Categories:
Cybersecurity

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) has produced a new Security Tip, Proper Disposal of Electronic Devices. The NCCIC emphasizes that in addition to effectively securing sensitive information on electronic devices, it is important to follow best practices for electronic device disposal. Computers, smartphones, and cameras allow you to keep a great deal of information at your fingertips, but when you dispose of, donate, or recycle a device you may inadvertently disclose sensitive information which could be exploited by cyber criminals. To protect against these risks, the Security Tip provides overviews of methods for sanization, which includes deleting, overwriting, and destroying data. It also refers partners to the National Institute for Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) Special Publication 800-88: Guidelines for Media Sanitation, which provides more detailed information on this topic. NCCIC/US-CERT.