Chromebook: Reset Your Chromebook to Factory Settings.Mac: What To Do Before You Sell, Give Away, or Trade In Your Mac.'You want to bring that device back to factory settings, and that means reinstalling the operating system,' said Robert Siciliano, a digital security expert with Protect Now, a cybersecurity consulting firm.įollow the manufacturers' instructions to remove data from desktops and laptops: The sensitive data includes text messages, photos, documents, email and passwords.'īefore getting rid of an old tablet, laptop, desktop computer or smartphone, follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to properly 'wipe' the memory.īefore starting, back up any files you want to keep to the cloud or another hard drive. The tools are available to almost anyone, including identity thieves and nosy second or third owners. 'Not just police or forensic experts can access deleted data. The truth is that data can be retrieved in most cases,' said Chester Wisniewski, a principal research scientist at Sophos, a global security company. 'We are led to believe deleting makes things permanently go away. It's not enough to simply delete all your files that usually won't permanently destroy digital data. But before responsibly parting ways with your old tech, you'll need to make sure you've 'wiped' the memory completely. Our digital devices are doomed to die or become obsolete.

How to wipe your pc