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Salmini Checklist1 page

Data Security · Deleting data safely

Deleting data safely checklist

Who leads Whoever looks after devices Name

Use it when

a phone, laptop or drive is leaving the organisation, or it's time for the yearly clear-out.

Wiping a device

Back up anything you still need, to an encrypted backup.
Sign it out of every account, and remove it from each account’s device list.
Take out the SIM card, memory cards and any USB stick.
Check that encryption is on.
Reset it to factory settings, following the maker’s instructions.
Keep the drive, or destroy it, if it held very sensitive information.

Before a file goes outside

Location off for the camera.
Hidden details removed from photos and documents.
Faces and street signs covered with a solid shape.

How long to keep things

A keeping time for each kind of information, on the access list.

Notes

Take care: During an incident, don't delete or wipe in a rush: messages, files and devices may be evidence.

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