Disposing of Devices

D5: The information stored on the device must be protected against access when the device is disposed of.

See also: Level 2, Level 3, 1, 12, Devices

How to Comply

Overwrite data or shred the storage media

  • On smartphones, tablets, and encrypted USB thumb drives: enter incorrect passwords until device reformats itself, or select Factory Reset in Settings
  • On personally-owned laptops: remove and shred hard drive or activate full disk encryption using secret key (password) you don't share
  • For Harvard-purchased or Harvard-managed devices: contact local IT Support for pick-up or drop-off of devices so they can remove data and recycle
  • For CD/DVD: Shred at provided shredders or contact local IT Support