It feels good, doesn’t it?
Selling an old phone, trading in a laptop, or grabbing a bargain second-hand console. You pocket some cash or save a few quid, they get working kit — win-win. But here’s the sting: unless you’ve wiped it properly, that device might still be carrying your digital fingerprints.
The real risk:
Second-hand tech often leaves behind fragments of personal data — logins, Wi-Fi details, even full files. To you it’s forgotten, but to a hacker or nosey buyer, it’s a goldmine.
Where Data Lurks
It’s not just phones:
• Smartphones & tablets — messages, photos, email accounts, payment apps.
• Laptops & desktops — saved passwords, documents, browsing history.
• Smart TVs & consoles — streaming logins, Wi-Fi keys, stored payment cards.
• Cars — paired phones, call logs, sat-nav routes, even contacts.
• Printers & copiers — stored scans and network credentials.
Real Example
In 2019, security researchers bought 100 used drives online. Nearly half still contained personal data — including tax records, medical info, and business documents. All it took was a basic recovery tool to bring it back.
Do This Before You Sell
- Factory reset properly
Phones, tablets, and laptops have a reset option — use it, then reinstall the OS if possible. - Remove accounts
Sign out of Google, Apple ID, Microsoft, and any cloud services before resetting. - Encrypt first
On laptops/phones, enable full-disk encryption before wiping. It makes any leftover scraps unreadable. - Wipe storage drives
For PCs, use secure erase tools (not just “delete”) to overwrite the data. - Unpair & forget
Delete Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connections and clear call logs in cars or smart devices. - Check peripherals
Printers, routers, and consoles often have reset buttons — use them to flush memory.
Buying Used? Protect Yourself Too
• Reset any device as soon as you get it.
• Remove unknown accounts or profiles.
• Change passwords for anything you log into.
• Keep updates current — old kit often runs old software.
Key Takeaway
Second-hand tech is great for saving money, but your old data doesn’t need a new life. Wipe it, reset it, and keep your digital past where it belongs — with you.
At The Cyber Workshop, we teach these practical steps as part of everyday cyber hygiene. Simple habits like wiping old kit keep your data safe, even when your devices move on.
Till next time,
Don’t let yesterday’s gadgets give away today’s secrets.
