Think Your Old Laptops Are Harmless? Think Again.

The Orbital10 Team • 19 November 2025

Even unused laptops can be a serious threat to your business.


Just because a device is sitting in storage doesn’t mean it’s safe. It could be hiding your company’s biggest security risk—sensitive information that, if exposed, could harm your operations, reputation, and finances.


What Businesses Risk on Old Devices


Even dusty laptops often store:

  • Customer data and contact lists
  • Saved passwords and login credentials
  • Access to cloud systems
  • Sensitive emails and business documents


Deleting Files Isn’t Enough


Many businesses assume “deleting” files erases them. It doesn’t—it just hides them. Hackers know exactly where to look, and data can be recovered in minutes.


The Danger of Improper Disposal


Selling, recycling, or tossing old laptops without secure wiping can unintentionally expose:

  • Client lists and contracts
  • Pricing and strategic information
  • Login credentials and emails


Consequences for businesses include data breaches, regulatory fines, reputational damage, and lost client trust.


How to Safely Retire Business Devices


  • Back up only what your company needs
  • Use proper data-wiping software—or get IT support to do it securely
  • Always obtain proof of secure disposal


Don’t let forgotten laptops put your business at risk. Secure wiping and proper retirement of old devices is essential to protecting your company’s data.


Need help? We can help you safely retire old tech before it becomes a liability.

Let's have a chat >



Man typing on a laptop with graphics of computer files and folders held in the cloud
by The Orbital10 Team 19 November 2025
Discover how moving your business to the cloud boosts security, collaboration, and flexibility while cutting costs and preparing for future growth.
Three employees huddled round an open laptop and all three people have their hands over their eyes
by The Orbital10 Team 19 November 2025
Learn the key red flags of phishing emails and how to keep your team scam-smart with simple, practical security awareness tips.
An FBI board with evidence and clues
by The Orbital10 Team 31 October 2025
FBI warns businesses about Interlock ransomware: hackers steal data, lock files, demand ransom. Patch systems, use MFA, firewalls & act now.
Woman searching for something by looking through a pair of binoculars
by The Orbital10 Team 31 October 2025
Tired of hunting through Windows 11 Settings? The new AI Agent finds or applies changes instantly—locally, privately, and in plain English.
Man going through 4 stages of thought -questioning, thinking, getting inspiration, understanding
by The Orbital10 Team 31 October 2025
Windows 11’s Describe Image uses AI on your PC to instantly describe visuals, boosting accessibility, productivity, and inclusion—secure and private.
Fed-up person with head on laptop keyboard and a large ow battery symbol superimposed
31 October 2025
Battery running out before the workday ends? Microsoft is testing smarter power management designed to make business laptops last longer and perform better.
Woman witting at a desk on a laptop access folder company data
by The Orbital10 Team 2 October 2025
Half of employees have too much data access—creating insider risks, mistakes, and compliance issues. Fix it with least privilege access.
Someone dropping an alarm clock into a waste paper bin
by The Orbital10 Team 14 July 2025
Turn Word documents into PowerPoint slides in seconds with Microsoft Copilot — a faster, smarter way to boost team productivity.
A man pulling apart some blinds to peer through suspiciously
by The Orbital10 Team 14 July 2025
Windows 11’s upcoming Onlooker Detection feature could warn you if someone’s snooping on your screen, helping protect your privacy when working in public.
A hand pressing a digital screen and the letters 'AI'
by The Orbital10 Team 14 July 2025
90% of businesses are using Generative AI — are you? Learn how AI is transforming productivity, and what your organisation needs to do next.