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Electronic Recyclers International CEO Cites Recent Survey as Proof that Individual and Professional Digital Security Habits Urgently Need to ImproveCiting data reported recently from a WinMagic and Nielsen survey, John Shegerian, Chairman and CEO of Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the nation's leading recycler of electronic waste, is urging businesses and individuals to improve digital security habits. A current PC Magazine article about the survey revealed approximately two-thirds of all computer users admit their e-mails, photos and video content are at risk, while two out of five feel their financial information is vulnerable as well, largely due to failing to take basic precautions, such as regularly changing passwords (something less than one-third of computer users do on a regular basis). "Apathy and unprotected data are a dangerous combination," said Shegerian. "In this age of frequent cybercrime, identity theft and hardware hacking, it's definitely time to take the matter of digital security very seriously. Most people wouldn't leave a wallet or purse sitting out in a public place unguarded, yet that is exactly wha the majority of electronics device users are doing with their private information. "Perhaps one of the most overlooked precautions we need to take," added Shegerian, "is how we protect the data on our devices when we are ready to dispose of those devices. Be it a smartphone, consumer or business laptop, hard drive or tablet, technology today is far too vulnerable to the attacks of cyber thieves. Properly recycling all old and unwanted items - no matter who you are - is vitally important for so many reasons. Our digital security, our environment and the reliability of the new devices we purchase all rest in the balance of us recycling the right way. The key is for everyone to remember to safely recycle all old and unwanted items at the end of their lifecycles. This final step in the life of a consumer electronic device is crucial for the sake of our personal digital security and our environment. Recycling the right way - with a certified recycling company you can trust - is more important than ever." Shegerian added that ERI currently provides the only nationwide solution offering 100 percent guaranteed data destruction for consumer electronics devices and e-waste. For more information on general recycling needs, visit www.electronicrecyclers.com, http://1800recycling.com, http://greenisgoodradio.com or www.urbanmining.org. Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the world's largest privately held recycler of electronic waste, is e-Stewards and R2 certified to de-manufacture and recycle every type of electronic waste in an environmentally friendly manner. ERI processes more than 275 million pounds of electronic waste annually at eight locations serving every zip code in the United States. For more information about e-waste recycling and ERI, call 1-800-ERI-DIRECT or visit www.electronicrecyclers.com.
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