Consumers reselling their Google Android smartphones need to focus on overwriting data because simply deleting files isn’t enough anymore, AVAST Software recently discovered.
The security company was able to easily retrieve personal data from smartphones it purchased online, including 40,000 personal images, emails, and text messages. In a small number of cases, AVAST was also able to identify the previous owner of the device.
As for the exact rundown of what was found on the devices, Avast offered this rather amusing – yet frightening assessment:
Here is what Jude McColgan, AVAST Mobile President, in a statement:
“The amount of personal data we retrieved from the phones was astounding. We found everything from a filled-out loan form to more than 250 selfies of what appear to be the previous owner’s manhood. We purchased a variety of Android devices from sellers across the U.S. and used readily available recovery software to dig up personal information that was previously on the phones. The take-away is that even deleted data on your used phone can be recovered unless you completely overwrite it.”
On popular auction website eBay alone, there are more than 80,000 used smartphones for sale everyday – not including Craigslist, Internet forums, and exchanging phones among friends and family.
Thank you to Avast for providing us with this information
Image courtesy of Xda Developers
CPUAMD Socket AM5 for AMD Ryzen 7000 Series Desktop ProcessorsChipsetAMD B650Memory4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB,…
ColourPrimary ColourBlackGraphics CardGPU SeriesRTX 30 SeriesFeaturesVirtual Reality ReadyYesClock SpeedsMax. Memory Clock14000 MHzMax. GPU Clock (Boost)1777…
With this enthusiast processor, you can enjoy extreme performance for gaming, creating, streaming, or whatever…
Compact and stylish Mini-ITX case Clearance for 315mm GPUs with up to three slots PCIe…
Compatible with all intel form factors up to ATX12V Ver 3.0 All premium Japanese branding…
Pre-built gaming PC for mid-range gaming and streaming Cherry-picked hardware and hand-built by Overclockers UK’s…