FINAL WORD
What enterprises need to do to bring e-waste under control across Africa
African enterprises need to adopt specific practices and measures to control their e-waste and data security and not allow them to go into landfills advises Quam Arewa at Green Device Recycling .
As technology continues to advance at an astonishing pace , our society faces a parallel challenge : the mounting issue of electronic waste , or e-waste . While the environmental impact of improperly disposed electronic devices is well-documented , there is another critical concern that often goes unnoticed and that is data security .
In an increasingly connected world , the improper disposal of electronic devices can expose individuals and organisations to significant risks . We need to shed light on the intertwined problems of e-waste and data security , emphasising the need for responsible electronic waste management practices .
The rise of consumer electronics , coupled with shorter product lifecycles , has led to an alarming increase in e-waste generation . According to a United Nations report , approximately 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2020 alone . Sadly , only a fraction of this waste is properly recycled or disposed of , exacerbating the environmental and data security challenges we face .
When electronic devices are discarded without proper data sanitisation , they become potential gold mines for cybercriminals . Personal information , corporate data , and confidential files can be extracted from these devices , leading to identity theft , financial fraud , or even corporate espionage . The consequences can be
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