There’s no question that the Internet of Things (IoT) has completely changed the way we connect with technology. The IoT has reached into practically every facet of our lives, from health and fitness to the devices used in our homes and industrial machinery. There are definite benefits in the interconnectedness this offers, but the growth of IoT also raises a very important question – What happens to the growing number of IoT devices when they need replacing, are no longer wanted, or are traded in on the latest tech?
Considering the potential amount of sensitive data these devices contain, IoT presents challenges when it comes to IT asset disposition (ITAD). Let’s take a closer look at what these challenges are, how the ITAD industry is adapting, and what the future of IT asset disposal looks like with the prominent presence of IoT.
How the Growth of IoT Weighs on ITAD.
When looking at the growth of IoT over just the past decade, we see the growth has been explosive. IoT has long since moved beyond industrial applications to become part of everyday life. Today, more than a third of adults use or wear some type of IoT wearable fitness tracker. This doesn’t even touch on the number of smart home devices that are connected to the internet.
All of these devices people wear or use in their homes and cars continuously gather personal data. For corporate and industrial applications of IoT, the amount of data collected is exponentially greater. With these devices comes the potential for hackers to access sensitive data, which becomes an even greater concern with disposal. In many cases, IoT devices remain connected to networks, despite the fact that they are no longer being used.
These vulnerabilities, combined with the extensive diversity of IoT devices present growing challenges to traditional ITAD practices. Today, we’re in a place where IoT disposal has become an area of ITAD that requires specialized attention.
What Are the Challenges of IoT Disposal
The disposal of IoT devices presents a number of challenges that fall outside of standard ITAD processes. Those working in the field need to be equipped to handle these complexities and ensure the safe and secure disposal of anything related to the IoT.
One of these challenges is that data that is embedded in IoT devices isn’t always easy to access through standard processes. For example, a fitness tracker may have data that is behind a proprietary system. This makes it challenging to wipe the data from the device in the same way an ITAD professional would from a laptop or smartphone. Adding to this challenge is the fact that each device is designed to handle and store data differently.
Continual connectivity is another challenge. Even IoT devices that are no longer being used may still be connected to a network or cloud. Disconnection requires a deactivation process, which if not done correctly, can create vulnerabilities due to the device remaining connected. This opens a prime doorway for threats such as unauthorized access and data leaks.
There’s also the issue of the IoT industry’s lack of uniformity. Unlike other tech devices that are designed with uniformity, the IoT is extremely diverse, with designs that don’t take standard disposal into consideration. Furthermore, it’s a rare occurrence that IoT device manufacturers provide ITAD professionals with guidance on secure proper disposal.
Lastly, let’s stop and think about the average IoT device, especially those used by consumers and smaller businesses. For the most part, these devices aren’t large by any measure. They’re often compact and within the small space are numerous components tightly packed together. For ITAD professionals, this creates challenges with secure dismantling. The solution to this is to equip ITAD workers with specialized knowledge and tools, however, this is not an industry standard at this point.
Considering Best Practices for Securely Disposing of IoT Devices
There are a number of ways that professionals in the ITAD industry can adapt to navigate the challenges of IoT. Here are a few best practices to consider.
Put a Deactivation Process Into Place: Having a defined practice in place for deactivating every type of IoT device. This includes powering them off, and most importantly, turning off any connectivity features and ensuring that any risk of reconnection is eliminated. For business-related IoT devices, it’s important that the devices are removed from centralized systems and any connected cloud applications.
Specialized Data Sanitation Processes: With IoT, sanitation of devices goes far beyond just wiping them clean. Due to the nature of IoT devices, it’s necessary to use advanced data sanitation procedures, such as overwriting and encryption. The reason behind encryption is to protect any residual data that might remain.
Tracking and Record Keeping: Documentation and inventory tracking are important aspects of ITAD. With IoT, keeping track of each device is critical. This includes details such as keeping track of every device’s connectivity status, when it was last used, deactivation status, and the process used for deactivation. In other words, it’s essential to track each device throughout its disposal lifecycle to ensure it’s handled appropriately.
Partner with Experts: This applies to both businesses seeking ITAD services and those in the ITAD industry who are adapting to the rise of IoT and are looking for guidance on best practices. A good practice is to seek ITAD professionals who are certified as e-stewards or Responsible Recycling.
IoT Disposal and Special Environmental Considerations
The fast growth of IoT devices poses unique environmental concerns. While smart devices are built to last, the fact is that new technology is continually driving consumers and businesses to seek the newest and most advanced available. This creates a significant amount of e-waste, including environmentally unfriendly components, such as lithium batteries.
For businesses, this stresses the importance of partnering with ITAD professionals who can ensure the safe and secure disposal of these devices.
The Future of IoT Disposal and ITAD
The ITAD industry is continuously evolving, but with IoT and other new technologies, we’re seeing new standards in how to address both current and future challenges. For example, automated tracking with the help of AI integration will help to improve the accuracy of IoT asset inventory. This is especially valuable for ITAD providers who deal with large amounts of IoT devices to ensure that the tracking of any device doesn’t get overlooked.
Along these lines, there’s also the potential for blockchain to assist in disposal documentation. With blockchain’s level of security, creating a traceable record of each device’s history allows for a tamper-proof chain of custody.
Perhaps, most importantly, is that the industry will be able to adapt standardized disposal protocols for IoT technology. This includes everything from deactivation and disassembly to clearing and recycling. As standardized procedures for IoT become the norm, the ITAD industry as a whole becomes more sustainable and secure for the businesses that rely on ITAD professionals.
Conclusion
IoT devices have changed our lives and our businesses for the better in many ways. However, the exponential growth of IoT demands that we rethink standard disposal processes and find ways to adapt them to IoT technology. There are unique challenges with IoT in regard to security, connectivity, and environmental impact. These are all areas that the ITAD industry is working tirelessly to address. By implementing new IoT-focused best practices and staying ahead of emerging trends, ITAD providers offer a valuable service to businesses that need to protect their sensitive data, while meeting current environmental standards.
The future of IoT disposal requires an approach of both innovation and responsibility. In the ITAD industry, these are the two most important pillars for creating a sustainable and secure digital future.
