Recently reported investigations have revealed the easy accessibility of data on reset Android devices,[1] underscoring the importance of software overwriting for full erasure, according to Blancco, the global leader in data erasure and computer reuse solutions.
The report highlighted two investigations of Android devices retrieved from secondhand markets in the UK, one for tablets and another for smartphones. Both revealed how factory resets simply remove indexes to the data, rather than deleting it, so that researchers using relatively simple tools could gain access. While Google recommends enabling encryption before a factory reset, the data remains on the device and is still recoverable.
“For Blancco, these investigations are not surprising, as we realize that only software like our Blancco Mobile, which works at the device’s operating system level to overwrite all data, can fully delete information,” said Kim Väisänen, Managing Director of Blancco. “Consumers and businesses alike should make sure that a complete overwrite is performed with proven software, meaning they should research what processes their phone carriers or buy back and return programs are using.”
Blancco Mobile has been TÜV tested and approved for data erasure, and is also DIPCOG approved for use by the UK Ministry of Defense. It works with Android, iOS, Blackberry, Nokia Symbian and Windows Mobile platforms.
“The lesson here that mobile device users need to confirm that their phone carrier, mobile network operator or point-of-sale provider uses advanced overwriting software like Blancco Mobile, which actually provides a detailed, auditable report to prove erasure and provide peace of mind,” said Väisänen.
[1] Ward, Mark, “Tesco Hudl and other Android devices face data reset flaw,” BBC Technology News, 14 August 2014
About Blancco
Blancco is the proven data erasure solution for millions of users around the globe. As the global leader in data erasure and computer reuse solutions, Blancco offers the most certified data erasure solutions within the industry. The company serves users across a wide range of industries, including banking, finance, government and defense. The company’s products are highly valued by IT asset disposal professionals around the world. Blancco operates from an extensive network of international offices and partners across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Russia, Asia and Australasia. Blancco is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regenersis, a strategic outsourcing partner to many of the world’s leading consumer technology companies. More information is available at http://www.blancco.com.
Media Contact:
Monica Shaw
+1-770-367-9534
Blancco Oy Ltd.
Kim Väisänen, Managing Director
+358-50-585-2885
