Secure disposal/recycling of a defective hardware

To prevent security issues in erasing software for hardware reuse or disposal/recycling of a device, customer must perform disposal in such a fashion to ensure that stored data is neither readable nor restorable.

For concrete guidelines follow the steps described in the documentation of the corresponding devices (IEDs, Hardware the IEM Pro&V / IEVD is running on) and the documentation of the underlying software (IEM Pro / IEMV / IEVD).

General steps for Secure disposal

• The following organizational regulations must be implemented by the operator of the production plant:
  
  • Responsibilities, company guidelines and disposal procedures are defined as part of a risk analysis.
  • The topic of "disposal" is integrated into the security management process.
  • Based on the risk analysis, employees are sensitized and specialized service providers are selected.
• Steps for the secure disposal of components and media to be considered:
  
  • Collect devices and media intended for destruction by a disposal service provider in a secure place, e.g. in a lockable container.
  • Installed storage media (e.g. hard disks, SSDs)
    Destroy the storage media and dispose of them in accordance with local regulations.
  • CPUs
    Reset the CPU components to the factory settings and delete the flash memory.
  • Reset all components that can be reset to the factory settings.
  • Mobile storage media (e.g. CDs, DVDs, USB flash memory, memory cards)
    Physically destroy and dispose of mobile storage media.
  • Device components and parts
    Dispose of device components and parts in an environmentally friendly manner.
  • Hazardous substances (batteries and rechargeable batteries)
    Dispose of hazardous substances in an environmentally friendly manner.
  • Certificates, keys and passwords
    Revoke certificates. Overwrite or change keys and passwords.
  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
    Reset or delete the TPM in the BIOS before disposing of a computer. You can find the exact procedure in the manufacturer's documentation.
• Steps for removing software
  
  • Uninstallation
  • Removal of the configuration
  • Removal of log files
  • Removal of other runtime data
  • Reminder of data from existing backups
  • Removal of users/groups/file shares that are no longer required
  • Possible reset of secure boot configurations on PCs
  • Possible restore of the original secure boot key which was originally installed ex factory on the PC (usually Microsoft Windows key)
• Legally and environmentally compliant disposal
  Have the old device recycled or disposed of by a certified disposal company for electronic waste in accordance with local regulations.