Bob the Cyber-Guy’s Cyber Safety Tip #123

“Your Old Devices Still Remember You”

Most people think the danger ends when a device is turned off, replaced, or shoved into a drawer.

It doesn’t.

🚨 What’s the hidden risk?

Old phones, tablets, laptops, and even smart TVs often still contain:

• Saved email accounts

• Stored passwords

• Wi-Fi credentials

• Cloud access tokens

• Photos, messages, and documents

If that device is:

• Sold

• Given away

• Donated

• Recycled

• Or “reset” incorrectly

…the next owner may gain more access than you ever intended.

⚠️ Common false assumptions

• “I deleted my files, so it’s fine”

• “I logged out, so I’m safe”

• “A factory reset always wipes everything”
  (Spoiler: it doesn’t always)

✅ Smart, simple protection steps

• Sign out of accounts first, then reset

• Remove the device from your Google / Apple / Microsoft account

• Encrypt before resetting when possible

• If the device is truly obsolete, physically destroy the storage (yes, really)

• For smart devices, remove them from your online account dashboard

 🧠 Cyber-Bob’s rule of thumb

If a device once knew who you were, make sure it forgets you completely.

Data doesn’t age out.

It lingers — quietly — until someone finds it useful. 

(I created the prompt, ChatGPT created the information.)