Everyone has information on the phone that he or she would prefer it remains a secret. Such information ranges from photos to messages, emails, links or data that is confidential. When you come to the end of using such a handset and want to give it away or sell it, erasing is the best option. Cell phone forensics specialists have provided tips on safeguarding the data from compromise. Here are some of them.
Reset your handset to factory setting. Most people would go for this option before trying others. This will clear any information that was entered since you began using a handset as brand new. There are phones that give the option of locking some functions like retrieval. Unfortunately, the new owner will not use the handset effectively. This functionality depends on phone model and limits the extent to which you can safeguard your information.
Resetting factory settings does not wipe out data. It only locks it in a place that is irretrievable through your handset. With advancement in technology, such information may be retrieved with ease. If someone employs off-the-shelf techniques and technology, your secret information will be retrieved leading to compromise. You therefore need more advanced ways of concealing the information and erasing it completely from the system.
Data encrypting is another option. This is an option that is limited to certain handset models which means that it is exposed to limited use. It means that anyone trying to access information from that handset will have to provide an unlocking key. Since you will be the sole holder of the key, your information will be protected.
There are inbuilt capabilities to encrypt data. However, there are software that allow encrypting of information as an added feature. This means that you have to download such applications. Even these options do not guarantee safety because applications and systems have been hacked despite appearing secure. While some encrypt by default, you will need to activate such options for some phones.
Overwriting the existing data is also an option. The phone provides this option when you are about to save files. This creates more space for new files that need to be saved. It is also a way of damaging the existing data. This approach will allow you to skip the deleting element and head straight to saving data. It will still be possible for someone to retrieve information using advanced software despite overwriting.
Remove any external memory devices attached on the handset. These devices include SD cards and memory cards. They add to the memory of your device and will therefore carry information you might consider confidential. By removing them from your handset, all information that they carried cannot be accessed until the cards are put in other devices. The external memory devices will only work if you had chosen them as your storage option.
Technology advancement regarding information retrieval has complicated concealing. Even leaving a handset clean does not guarantee permanent hiding. The only guarantee most of these methods offer is inability to access by ordinary users. Phones provide directions on deleting information. Follow these directions to be on the safe side. However, the ultimate option when considering information security is to avoid having it on your handset if it posses any danger.
Reset your handset to factory setting. Most people would go for this option before trying others. This will clear any information that was entered since you began using a handset as brand new. There are phones that give the option of locking some functions like retrieval. Unfortunately, the new owner will not use the handset effectively. This functionality depends on phone model and limits the extent to which you can safeguard your information.
Resetting factory settings does not wipe out data. It only locks it in a place that is irretrievable through your handset. With advancement in technology, such information may be retrieved with ease. If someone employs off-the-shelf techniques and technology, your secret information will be retrieved leading to compromise. You therefore need more advanced ways of concealing the information and erasing it completely from the system.
Data encrypting is another option. This is an option that is limited to certain handset models which means that it is exposed to limited use. It means that anyone trying to access information from that handset will have to provide an unlocking key. Since you will be the sole holder of the key, your information will be protected.
There are inbuilt capabilities to encrypt data. However, there are software that allow encrypting of information as an added feature. This means that you have to download such applications. Even these options do not guarantee safety because applications and systems have been hacked despite appearing secure. While some encrypt by default, you will need to activate such options for some phones.
Overwriting the existing data is also an option. The phone provides this option when you are about to save files. This creates more space for new files that need to be saved. It is also a way of damaging the existing data. This approach will allow you to skip the deleting element and head straight to saving data. It will still be possible for someone to retrieve information using advanced software despite overwriting.
Remove any external memory devices attached on the handset. These devices include SD cards and memory cards. They add to the memory of your device and will therefore carry information you might consider confidential. By removing them from your handset, all information that they carried cannot be accessed until the cards are put in other devices. The external memory devices will only work if you had chosen them as your storage option.
Technology advancement regarding information retrieval has complicated concealing. Even leaving a handset clean does not guarantee permanent hiding. The only guarantee most of these methods offer is inability to access by ordinary users. Phones provide directions on deleting information. Follow these directions to be on the safe side. However, the ultimate option when considering information security is to avoid having it on your handset if it posses any danger.
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