October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and while we don't think that cyber awareness is something to cover just once in the year, we think it's a good opportunity to publish some information that can be used all year round.
Awareness Day Twenty: Hardware: Safe disposal 

"Wherever there is technology there needs to be cybersecurity"

Implementing cybersecurity best practices is important for organisations of all sizes to protect personal, financial and sensitive information.


Awareness Day Twenty: Hardware: Safe disposal

We recommend disposing of the organisation's hardware in a safe and secure way to help prevent a cyber attack or a data breach.  Ensure that the disposal company for IT assets has the required certifications.  Once the item has been removed from service in your organisation, reset the device and remove all traces of users and data.  Ensure the information is updated in the asset register.

A professional IT recycling company should be able to provide you with a Certificate of Destruction.  This will ensure that your data is destroyed and cannot be recovered if this is something that cannot be managed within your organisation.

Remember that confidential data is still confidential even when you no longer require it!

If you're a school or multi academy trust you should review the guidelines in the DfE Digital Standards for Schools and Colleges. We have resources, support, guidance and trackers to help you assess and monitor where you are with the standards: https://digitalstandardstracker.co.uk/

Review: NCSC Aquiring, managing, and disposing of network devices.
Review: ICO Deleting your data from computers, laptops and other devices