Why Singaporeans Should Never Sell or Dispose of Old Devices Without a Proper Data Wipe

Every few years, most of us in Singapore upgrade our laptops, desktops, or mobile phones. Some trade them in on Carousell, others recycle them through NEA e-waste bins at malls like Funan or Plaza Singapura, and many just leave old devices lying around at home.

But here’s an uncomfortable truth, deleting files or even doing a factory reset doesn’t actually erase your data. With free recovery tools, old photos, NRIC scans, tax records, and even corporate files can be retrieved in minutes. In fact, studies show that 78% of second-hand drives still contain recoverable personal information. This isn’t just a tech problem, it’s a security risk. And it’s one that identity thieves know how to exploit.

Why Deleting Files Isn’t Enough

When you “delete” a file or “factory reset” a phone, you’re only removing the address labels. Think of it like tearing out the contents page of a book but leaving all the chapters intact. Anyone with the right software can flip through the pages and recover your story.

That’s why proper data wiping (also known as certified data erasure) matters. It overwrites every bit of data with random patterns, ensuring recovery is impossible. Once wiped, your device is safe to resell on Carousell, pass to a friend, or recycle at an e-waste bin.

Real Risks of Not Wiping Properly

• Identity Theft — Old NRIC scans, CPF documents, or Singpass screenshots can be pieced together to impersonate you.
• Financial Fraud — Saved PayNow numbers, bank logins, or credit card details can be exploited.
• Corporate Data Leaks — Many of us bring work home. Old contracts or reports left on a personal laptop could expose your company.

Why This Matters in Singapore

We live in one of the most digitalised societies in the world. From PayLah! to Singpass, so much of our life is tied to our devices. Losing control of that data is not just inconvenient, it can be devastating. Yet, many Singaporeans still sell, give away, or dispose of old tech without wiping it securely.

The Safer Option: Certified Data Wiping Services

This is where a data wipe service in Singapore comes in. Instead of relying on “delete” or “factory reset,” I use industry-standard tools that meet certified erasure specifications.

✔️ Securely wipes laptops, desktops, hard drives, and SSDs
✔️ Meets international data erasure standards
✔️ Affordable pricing (from $10)
✔️ On-site service available for convenience

Once the wipe is complete, you can resell your phone on Carousell or recycle your laptop at Funan’s e-waste bins with peace of mind, knowing nothing personal is left behind.

Why I Started This Side Gig

During my CISSP training, one thing became very clear — data privacy is everyone’s responsibility. I realised how often devices are disposed of without proper wiping, and how easy it is for bad actors to exploit this. That’s why I started this side gig to help Singaporeans protect their data before parting with their old devices.

Final Thoughts

Think of data wiping as digital spring cleaning. You wouldn’t hand over your house keys to a stranger, so why hand over your old laptop or phone without wiping it first? If you’re planning to sell your iPhone on Carousell, recycle your laptop at Funan, or donate your desktop to a school, make sure you do it safely.

email me at justinfongcw@gmail.com, if you’d like help wiping your old devices securely.