OPTUS WARNS AUSSIES TO GET WIPING BEFORE RECYCLING

Nearly half of second-hand tech owners are exposed to private snaps and texts

We all love to share but there are some things others just don’t want to see. An Optus survey found 45% of second-hand tech owners are getting a peek at personal info left on discarded devices. With the launch of its Trade In, Trade Up offering, Optus is offering a timely reminder for Aussies to wipe their personal data before recycling their old tech.

Less haste, more caution

The Optus survey revealed second-hand tech owners are being exposed to all sorts of personal information such as:

• Personal snaps 28%
• Text messages 18%
• Internet history 15%
• Videos 14%

“Passing on old tech without erasing it first is essentially like giving someone front row tickets to your private life. Optus is encouraging people to take extra care and erase the content you don’t want others to see,” said Ben White, Vice President, Mobile Marketing at Optus.

Trade In, Trade Up

For those who want to turn their trash into treasure instead of donating their old tech, Optus has launched an Australian mobile carrier first with Trade In, Trade Up. Available to new and re-contracting postpaid mobile customers at all ‘yes’ Optus retail stores*, Trade In, Trade Up offers customers credit towards their next phone bill depending on the model, popularity and condition of the phone.

“We’re always looking for ways to give our customers the best service possible. Trade In, Trade up gives customers a generous amount of credit on their next Optus My Plan bill in a quick and convenient way while also helping the environment,” said Mr White.

Check yourself, protect yourself

Whether you’re donating your tech to family or taking up Optus’ Trade In, Trade Up offer, the advice remains the same. Ensure any personal data is completely erased by following these three steps.

1. Back up all your data to the cloud or your computer
2. Erase content from your tech via the setting menu or follow the instructions on your manufacture’s product guide
3. Perform a hard reset in the setting menu to remove any personal data and return the phone to its default state

*To find our more information about Trade In, Trade Up please visit your local ‘yes’ Optus store or seewww.optus.com.au/tradein. Not available at ‘yes’ Optus stores in Nerang and The Pines.

Contact Details:

Fuel Communications: 02 8217 6500

Optus@fuelcommunications.com.au

Notes to editors:

Survey of 1,256 parents of children aged 12-30 years, distributed throughout Australia including both capital city and non-capital city locations between 23 and 29 April, 2013.