Destroying sensitive information sounds straightforward, but many people overlook essential steps that can leave personal data vulnerable. Whether clearing out old documents or wiping files from a device, the process demands thoroughness. Here’s a rundown of the seven most common mistakes people make when trying to securely destroy information—and how you can avoid them with help from experts like Absolute Destruction.
1. Tossing It Straight in the Trash
One of the biggest security missteps? Simply throwing papers, devices, or old credit cards in the trash. Even if it seems unlikely, documents and devices tossed out with regular garbage are vulnerable to anyone who might come across them. Identity thieves and scammers often know that people discard sensitive information this way. If you have paperwork containing personal information, use a cross-cut shredder to destroy it. When it comes to electronic devices, consider physically dismantling or securely disposing of them with a certified electronic recycler.
2. Relying on Basic Deletion Methods for Electronics
Deleting a file or sending it to the recycle bin may feel like you’re wiping it clean, but in reality, the data usually remains hidden within the device. This “soft” deletion simply removes the access point for you, not the data itself, making it relatively easy for tech-savvy individuals to retrieve it. Use a data-wiping program that meets industry standards for overwriting sensitive information on hard drives, USB drives, and other storage devices. For added security, consider using a tool that writes over the data multiple times, making it almost impossible to recover.
3. Forgetting About Backups in the Cloud or on Other Devices
In today’s digital world, people often back up their data to multiple locations—cloud storage, external hard drives, and sometimes even old devices. Unfortunately, when it’s time to destroy that data, these backups are often overlooked. A file deleted on your computer doesn’t vanish from your cloud account or external backup. Be thorough by checking every potential backup location for copies of sensitive information. Make sure to delete files from cloud storage accounts, email attachments, and even on physical storage devices if you’ve made additional backups.
4. Skipping the Shredder for Paper Documents
It’s tempting to assume that tearing up papers by hand is enough, but this is rarely the case. Simply ripping a document in half doesn’t protect you from anyone determined to piece it back together. Even with low-tech shredders, strips of paper can sometimes be reassembled, especially if they’re large. For complete peace of mind, invest in a cross-cut or micro-cut shredder that slices papers into tiny confetti-sized pieces, making reconstruction nearly impossible. If you’re dealing with highly sensitive or confidential material, consider using a professional shredding service that meets industry security standards.
5. Overlooking Hidden Metadata in Files
When deleting digital documents, most people don’t realize there’s more than meets the eye. Files often contain metadata—hidden information like edits, authors, timestamps, and sometimes even GPS data. These details might seem harmless, but they can reveal a surprising amount about you or your document history. Before you delete a file, double-check its properties and use a metadata remover to clear any hidden data. Tools like Document Inspector in Microsoft Office or dedicated metadata-removal software are easy ways to ensure nothing gets left behind.
6. Assuming Formatting a Hard Drive is Enough
Formatting a hard drive feels like it should erase everything, but it’s not a foolproof method. When you format a hard drive, the data isn’t completely erased; instead, the access path to the data is removed, making it appear empty when it’s not. Someone with basic recovery tools could still retrieve your files. Instead, use a secure wiping tool that overwrites the drive multiple times, which makes it much harder to recover any data. For extra-sensitive information, consider physical destruction, such as using a hammer to shatter the hard drive or hiring a certified e-waste service.
7. Neglecting SIM and Memory Cards in Mobile Devices
When it’s time to dispose of a mobile phone, many people perform a factory reset and assume they’re in the clear. However, phones also store data on SIM cards and memory cards, which can still contain call logs, text messages, and other personal information. If your device has removable memory cards or SIM cards, remove them before disposing of the phone, and shred them or cut them up with scissors. If you don’t want to destroy them yourself, look for e-waste disposal services that handle mobile devices and SIM cards securely.
Being thorough with data destruction isn’t just about protecting information in the moment—it’s about ensuring your peace of mind and safeguarding against identity theft or data breaches. Avoiding these seven mistakes will help you securely and confidently clear out old documents and digital data, keeping your personal and professional information truly safe from prying eyes.
