Smartphones, laptops, or tablets-these types of smart gadgets can break down from time to time. As a result, you have to get them repaired. Sometimes you might think of selling your smartphone or laptop to someone and buying a new one at a discount.
You can certainly do that. But before handing over your smart gadget to someone else, are you considering whether you're also handing over your valuable data? Or whether that data could be used to blackmail you in the future? Therefore, before repairing or selling your smartphone, laptop, or tablet, learn what to do and what not to do.
First, arrange to preserve all important data from your device. Store that data on an external hard drive or pen drive that you'll need later.
Factory reset your device. And not just once—do it as many times as possible to ensure no data remains on the device.
Before factory reset, manually copy each important file and data for your own storage and delete them separately.
Check whether any photos or information related to previous online transactions remain on that device.
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Before factory reset, you must encrypt the device's hard drive. Many people don't initially think about how to delete data properly. You can also use separate data wipe software for this purpose. However, make sure it's secure.
If you have online wallets, social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, log out of all of them first.
For accounts that require regular password use, we often carelessly keep the auto-save password option enabled. Therefore, delete all passwords before factory resetting the device.
Often, we control IoT (Internet of Things) dependent gadgets from devices like smartphones or laptops. Before your device changes hands, remember to disconnect those connections and connect them with your new device. You should verify with professional tools how secure the data eraser you're using is and whether all data has been deleted.
