Got a new device? 7 things to do before disposing of your old tech

This article outlines the security and privacy risks posed by improperly discarded devices and provides seven steps to securely retire hardware: back up important data, log out of accounts, transfer or deactivate licensed software, remove SIM/SD cards, perform a factory reset, optionally use reputable disk-wiping tools, and physically destroy hard drives if necessary. It emphasizes that residual data from e-waste can be recovered and abused for identity fraud or to compromise corporate networks.