When people think about data erasure, laptops, desktops, and servers usually come to mind. But what many organizations don’t realize is that a wide range of everyday devices also store sensitive information. These “forgotten” devices often slip through the cracks, creating hidden risks for data breaches.

Devices that secretly store data

• Printers and multifunctionals: Many store print jobs, scans, and copies on internal memory.
• Routers and switches:  Contain logs, configurations, and sometimes even user credentials.
• Smartphones and tablets: Often, a “factory reset” does not completely erase data, leaving some recoverable information behind.
• USB sticks and external drives: Small and easy to misplace, but frequently full of sensitive files.
• IoT devices:  From security cameras to smart speakers, many store recordings, images, or settings locally.
• Copiers and scanners: These often include hard drives that retain large amounts of data.

Why is this a serious risk?

These devices are often recycled, resold, or passed on without secure erasure. Cybercriminals know they can be a goldmine of forgotten data. Beyond the obvious risk of a breach, this also leaves organizations vulnerable to regulatory penalties under laws like GDPR, HIPAA, and other global standards.

How Certus helps

At Certus, we understand that data can be found anywhere. That’s why our certified software is designed to securely erase all types of devices, including PCs, servers, printers, storage media, and mobile devices. With Certus Erasure, you can be confident your data is gone for good, regardless of where it was stored. And with our tamper-proof reports, you’ll always have the proof of compliance to back it up.