BENEFITS


How Do I Dispose of Old Computers and Devices?


by DAVE FIDANZA Y


ou are an expert at disposing of amalgam waste, sharps, disin- fectants and other dental waste. But disposing of old computers,


servers, cell phones and even fax machines requires a different kind of expertise. Just as the biohazardous waste must be disposed of safely, it can be dangerous to your practice if data isn’t removed or destroyed from your old technology. Don’t worry, there is no need to go “Office Space” on your machines and destroy them with a baseball bat. Here are three tips to safely dispose of your old technology.


STEP 1: BACKUP YOUR DATA


If your practice management system, HIPAA- compliant email, ePrescribing etc. is cloud- based, your data backup couldn’t be any simpler—because it’s already done! Familiar with the term “cloud-based software” but not sure what it means? Compliant, cloud-based technology simply means all of your practice records and files are stored and backed up on servers located in secure centers around the country. No data is stored on your computer or in your office unless you copy and save files directly to your computer. Many cloud backups are automatic and happen continu- ously to prevent any kind of loss.


Not in the cloud? You have a couple of op- tions: Save all of your files to an external hard drive or transfer them from your old com- puter to your new computer. With your new computer or server, you’ll want to back up your files using a fully compliant and secure cloud service every day. This offers greater protection of your data in case of a system or drive failure, loss, theft or cybercrime like ransomware.


22 focus | MAR/APR 2021 | ISSUE 2


STEP 2: DON’T JUST DELETE, OVERWRITE YOUR OLD HARD DRIVES


Let’s start with possibly the most important point, don’t just simply delete files from your old computer. Even though you can’t see them, the computer can. If the files are still there, a cybercriminal can find and steal the data. You can download software programs that will erase your hard drive for good us- ing a method called “overwriting.” You can choose varying degrees of overwrite protec- tion.


A second option is to check your computer for a function or a program to “clean install” your computer. This reset installs the com- puter’s original operating system and erases all files from the hard drive, provided you select an “overwrite” option.


You also can physically disable the hard drive by removing it from your computer and taking it completely apart with a screwdriver and destroying it.


For smartphones, reset your system to fac- tory settings.


Don’t forget your fax machine, scanners and copiers! Many include internal memory that stores an electronic copy of every page. There are many horror stories of criminals stealing these discarded machines. Think about what gets copied: social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, credit card information and patient records. You or an IT professional can locate the internal drive and destroy it.


Servers follow the same fundamentals as computers but can be more complicated with more storage devices. It would be wise to engage the services of an IT professional


or Managed IT Services Provider to trans- fer data and destroy your server’s old hard drives.


STEP 3: DONATE OR DESTROY


Once you have saved all of your current records and properly erased or reset your old computers and smartphones, you can donate or recycle your machines and devices. Local governments often have electronic disposal locations and Goodwill is another great op- tion.


There are also Managed IT Service Providers who specialize in dental IT infrastructure. These experts can help you safely and confi- dently say goodbye to the old, and make sure your new tech runs smoothly and is moni- tored for a longer lifespan with better perfor- mance and security. Cloud-based computing allows these experts to provide care for your practice with instant upgrades and updates handled remotely.


Fortunately, with careful actions, your ma- chines and devices may find new life, without the threat of stolen information. f


Dave Fidanza is Chief Information Officer of iCoreConnect, an MDA Perks Program Ally, which specializes in comprehensive cloud-based software and IT services for dentists. These products from iCoreConnect are part of the Ally program: iCoreIT customizable Managed IT Service Provider, iCoreRx e-Prescribing


software, iCoreExchange HIPAA-compliant email, iCoreHuddle practice revenue optimizer, iCoreDental practice management software and iCoreCodeGenius rapid dental/medical cross-coding tool. MDA members receive substantial discounts on these products. Book a demo at icoreconnect.com/modental-about or 888-810-7706.


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