The vast majority
of cell phones contain personal and proprietary information.
Some users password protect their devices and some don't.
Going back to the
days of my first cell phone, I did password protect it. It seemed like
a good idea, but it was a pain every time I had to go through the
drill. So, after the annoyance got to me, I got rid of the protection.
Not smart.
YOU'VE ERASED IT AND IT'S GONE...RIGHT?
The hard drive on your computer is just like the one on your cell phone. When dealing with your unwanted files and info, you delete the data and it's gone. Right? Well, maybe not.
At some point, you might want and/or need a new device. What to do with the old one so as to not add to the toxic mess in the landfills. Suggestions...donate it to the police for senior citizen use, give the old phone to your child, or significant other.
Fast track your privacy, or else deal with potential problems. The operative words
are, OR ELSE. You've heard about gone, but not forgotten. Try, gone,
but salvageable.
Probably not what you wanted to hear unless you really need that file. Bottom line...salvaging data from discarded devices is a slam dunk with the right tech guru on a mission.
In fact, for those of a curious nature, (perhaps even that bright little one of yours who takes after mommy or daddy) there are even free Internet tools along with commercial tools to resurrect date. And, we're looking at a very small tool with minimal code.
When you delete a file, all you're doing is changing the index of the file or the file pointers. Since phone and PDA data is stored in flash memory, it's still there even if the battery is removed or drained. The only way to delete it is to use a "hard reset" so that it reverts to the original factory settings. By the way, this is not something that you can do yourself since each manufacturer has a different procedure.
Given the fact that private chat logs (really messy in case of a divorce, or sensitive business dealings), business e-mails, marketing plans, credit card numbers, and passwords should not be easily accessible, password protect. I don't recommend placing credit card info into any of these devices and you may not agree. How hard is it to take the cards from your wallet or purse and use the info?
How much of what you place in memory do you really need? One last comforting thought, 90 percent of discarded cell phones and PDAs contain sensitive material.
Blocking Your Cell Phone Number
There are ways to block your number from showing up when you call if you need this function. The first solution is temporary and simply requires that you dial *67 before making a call. Punch in those digits before any others and, assuming whomever you're calling isn't an emergency service of some sort, your number won't show.
For a more permanent solution, give your provider a call and ask how much a line block would cost to add to your line. Typically, it'll be something like $5 per month. This will prevent your number from showing up any time you call -- except for emergency services, who hopefully won't be screening your calls anyway.
Some phones have Caller ID block settings that can easily be switched on or off by going into the "Settings" menus.
Since privacy is a growing concern for many, we're happy to provide this info.
