The secondary mobile market has been gaining traction over the last couple of years. With each new release, smartphones are becoming increasingly expensive; with technological advances and the endless upgrades of cameras, screens and security, it is easy to understand why more people are turning to the pre-owned market.

In the UK, a study has shown that around 60% of consumers consider a pre-owned purchase. As the majority of mobile users upgrade their phone every couple of years, a second-hand mobile is not as ‘used’ or worn as you may think. This level of quality, coupled with financial savings, is providing the secondary market with more attention; however, is does cause serious questions to be raised regarding data security and data privacy.

By selling on your retired device, or buying a pre-owned phone, how much is your mobile’s sensitive data at risk?

What does a pre-owned phone grade mean?

The secondary mobile market is surrounded with doubt when it comes to the grading of pre-owned phones. To make things complicated, individual vendors have their own grading system when it comes to rating their second-hand goods. What this means is a pre-owned phone grade A from one vendor may compare to another vendor’s lower-grade B. Consequently, it is extremely difficult to make comparisons across different phone dealers. 

For you to ensure your pre-owned phone is legitimate, you must purchase a device through a reputable vendor and read up on their individual grading system. However, by using technology, it is possible to run sophisticated diagnostics tests that can clearly and objectively report the condition of a phone. 

How much sensitive data is stored on a mobile phone?

It is estimated that more than 5 billion people have a mobile device, and over half of these devices are smartphones. With more and more people becoming reliant on their phone, we are all becoming more trusting in the sensitive data that we store. 

In more recent years another problem is arising. A large proportion of people own two or more mobile phones; a personal device and another that has been issued by the company/business they work for or manage. An independent study found that 73% of a group of 2,000 workers used their work phone for personal use, and 50% use their personal phone to conduct company business.

For cyber-criminals, the takings have become even more attractive. With a blurring between people’s home and work lives, mobile devices are being used to store even more sensitive information: from personally identifiable information (PII) to financial data, individual banking details and business account logins, as well as intellectual property. 

With more personal data being stored, mobile devices have become the prime targets for theft. Therefore, if you are purchasing a previously-owned mobile phone, it is good practice to check that your new phone hasn’t previously stolen. And, when it comes to selling on your old device, you must wipe your data with 100% surety before handing it over to a dealer. 

This is where WipeDrive Mobile comes into its own. 

WipeDrive for Mobiles

WipeDrive Mobile is a socially responsible way of retiring your mobile phone and removing your sensitive data with confidence. WipeDrive Mobile software enables corporations to securely and permanently erase all data from iOS devices, re-loading the most up-to-date iOS version in its place. WipeDrive Mobile achieves this by focusing on four solutions for the mobile device market: erasure, diagnostics, switch and verification. This testing software will decrease return materials authorisations (RMAs) and provide tamper-proof audit reports while integrating with your current ERP system. 

Moreover, WipeDrive Mobile can be used to wipe your personal device or on a larger scale for multiple company phones. The current WipeDrive Mobile’s software is powerful enough to wipe 265 devices in one go, with official reports emailed through straightaway. Through the WipeDrive package, it is possible to produce a QR barcode to attached to each wiped device; once scanned, an electronic copy of the device’s unique report will be displayed. 

WipeDrive Mobile also comes with a wireless network built-in; it is currently the only product with this option. By having this feature, the WipeDrive can be pushed onto Android devices. With this product, testing an Android phone is much easier and, also, much faster, as the WipeDrive can jump over the wifi step.

With WipeDrive Mobile, you can customise your wipe to your needs. Within the settings, it is possible to tick or untick boxes on how much you wish the software to test. Depending on how many options you select, the duration of the wipe will be affected. WipeDrive Mobile offers the most considerable amount of testing programs, contributing around 60 test profile options on average.

In addition to wiping the memory of a device, it can also test the physicality and condition of a phone thoroughly. WipeDrive Mobile can examine the phone’s camera, photo and video quality, as well as the phone’s graphics.

The software is easy to install, and these tests are all carried out through an application. The app will talk you through each step, and if you are ever in need of some help, Global EMEA is always on hand. Our support pages are available to provide answers to your questions and queries, or you can send us your unique enquiry through our website. 

WipeDrive Mobile not only provides you with peace of mind but also saves you valuable time and money. During a wipe of a mobile device, the software is also able to carry out a GSMA device check, putting your mind at risk that you haven’t been sold a previously stolen good. 

People underestimate how much data is really stored on their mobile phone. From confidential information to photos, many of us are now holding our banking information and using Apple Pay too. When selling on a phone or purchasing off the secondary mobile market, WipeDrive gives you the confidence and assurance that the device being purchased/sold is completely wiped.

To find out more information about WipeDrive Mobile and how it protects your sensitive data, visit our website. For the latest edition of WipeDrive Mobile, we can offer discounts to help fit in with your needs, speak to one of our sales representatives directly on 0345 340 3105.