Veritas Digital Services writes:
It is essential that all devices being redistributed to children for learning are properly data-erased and checked by an expert company, then refurbished for safe plug-and-play use. Devices donated for reuse cannot simply be given direct to schools without going through this process. Viruses, malware and even inappropriate data can get through to vulnerable children if not properly dealt with.
We have been making devices safe and ready for reuse in this way since the first lockdown. We work with large corporates, such as Elysium Healthcare, repurposing their redundant tech into affordable, sustainable tech for safe reuse, while covering their GDPR obligations, providing certificates of data erasure by serial number for all data-bearing devices. This is essential both for the companies providing the tech to safeguard their data, and to protect the end users, who are very often children, having to continue their education through remote learning.
We are currently working with Richmond Rugby Club, whose appeal has so far yielded donations of around 300 devices for reuse. We are removing all data from these devices, and refurbishing them ready for safe reuse. Items that cannot be repaired are repurposed for spares to maximise reuse and minimise landfill, making this process sustainable and kind to our environment, while helping bridge the digital divide.
Our work with the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire has seen many hundreds of safe, affordable, and sustainable devices redistributed to schools in Luton and all across Bedfordshire, safely making a huge difference to the education of the most disadvantaged.
With wide coverage of the digital divide in the media, there is a growing awareness and willingness to help, both within the business community, and the wider public. In the rush to help, let’s not bring further hazard to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable, and let’s not forget that data security is a big issue, with heavy fines for data breaches. Many more devices are required for remote learning, as lockdown looks set to continue for quite some time. Let’s make sure that these are safe both for those donating them, and for those receiving them.
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/jan/21/malware-reportedly-found-laptops-children-england