In today’s day and age, we live in a world where data is constantly being transmitted and always on the move. Whether you’re emailing other business partners, using cloud computing for storing your data, or are accessing all info from your mobile device, data is one of the most important aspects of the business world. On the bright side, however, many companies also know the importance of keeping their info secure as well.

For example, with cloud computing, all your files can be accessed from anywhere, making attacks such as ransomware null and void. After all, even if the hacker deletes your files, they are still accessible via the Internet. Cyber security software has also become more advanced, even advising users of what websites to visit, and which ones to avoid. With all that said, there’s one aspect of securing all business data that many companies tend to overlook, and that involves securely wiping phones or computers.

It’s a common misconception that when you recycle or delete a document, it’s erased. What many don’t realize, however, is that there are still traces left on the user’s hard drive. That’s the beauty of technology. Once a file is there, it’s very difficult and sometimes even impossible to remove. This is especially true when it comes to sending emails. With that said, here are some reasons why a clean wipe of your devices is important.

First of all, as I mentioned before, doing a secure wipe is the only way to truly delete your files. Many people think they only need to wipe their devices because it prevents others from stealing their info. We’ll get back to that issue, but that’s only one thing you should be concerned about. When you first buy a new a computer, have you noticed how fast it runs? Not to mention there are little to no problems with the device. Eventually, though, it begins to run slower, and there’s less space available. That’s because many of the documents you deleted or recycled are still there. When you do a clean wipe, however, you are removing every trace of activity from your computer or phone, allowing you to start fresh and anew. Of course, though, you should only do a secure wipe if it’s an absolute necessity. Make sure to back up and store your files beforehand as well.

Going back to what I said earlier, securely wiping your devices, also prevents others from accessing your info, something which is very crucial in the workplace. For example, let’s say that you have a mobile device for accessing most of your data. For all you know, there could be someone in the business looking to steal your data. If your info wasn’t wiped or secure, someone could easily access your device and compromise anything you have. At the very least, wiping your phone and computer, is also excellent if you have a flash drive or use cloud computing. After all, no matter how much data you erase from your hard drive, it’s always accessible from a portable drive, or anywhere on the Internet via cloud.

Lastly, secure wipes are important, because it’s a perfect example of making smart decisions for your business. As I had mentioned earlier, many companies know just how important it is to keep their data secure. Wiping their computers and phones, however, is something they unintentionally overlook. There’s always room for improvement, and with this method, it adds an extra layer of security to your company.

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