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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 (IE Devices, 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.