Only 43% of resold used mobile devices are data-free, finds study

By  Paul Ploumis 08 Oct 2015  Last updated at 08:46:09 GMT

A recent study report suggests that 57% of used mobile devices resold online still contain residual data. Alarmingly, 75% of used drives purchased online were found to have old data in them.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The latest study report published by the Atlanta-based Blancco Technology Group in partnership with Minneapolis-based Kroll Ontrack has found that 57% of used mobile devices resold online still contain residual data. Surprisingly, 75% of used drives purchased through Amazon, eBay and Gazelle were found to contain old data in them. The data present in them were sufficient enough to trace the identity of the original user of the device, says the report.

As part of the study, over 120 pieces of used electronics including hard disk drives, solid state drives and mobile devices purchased in the US, Germany and the UK between May and August this year were examined. It was revealed that nearly one out of two hard disk drives and solid state drives contained personal data. Almost 35% mobile devices were found to contain critical information including call logs, emails, chat conversations, photos and videos.

The study indicated that deletion attempts failed to wipe out data on 57% of the mobile devices and 75% of the hard disk drives and solid state drives. The common data erasure technologies have failed to guarantee 100% removal of data, which in turn has resulted in exposition of sensitive information to cyber criminals. The study warns individual users and businesses to make use of deletion methods that comply with regulatory standards in order to ensure that the data is removed effectively.

Blancco Technology Group is a leading, global provider of mobile device diagnostics and secure data erasure solutions. The recognized world leader in providing legal technologies and data recovery products and services, Kroll Ontrack is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and operates more than 30 offices in 19 countries around the world. It aims to provide all customers with a local, efficient, knowledgeable and secure resource for their data needs.