The partnership represents a GB pound 500,000 investment from Mazuma and will be the first such partnership in the UK dedicated to protecting the data of smartphone and tablet users.
Smartphones now account for over 50% of the recycled devices handled by the company each year and, with the proliferation of payment, banking and shopping apps on them the data that can potentially be gleaned from a handset is far more valuable than ever before.
BackBelt’s DataWipe system is being developed specifically for use by Mazuma, and will provide an additional layer of protection for users.
Currently, when they send their phones in they are invited to use a Mazuma app that will delete most of their personal data. Upon delivery, though, the phone will also be given one final data wipe at the firm’s processing warehouse.
Heavy reliance on smartphones
CEO of Mazuma Mobile, Charlo Carabott, said: “We have always taken consumer data protection seriously. Mazuma created the industry’s first data deletion tool back in 2007 for customers to use before recycling their old handsets. Nowadays, more and more consumers depend heavily on their smartphones, often using them to store sensitive personal data. That being the case, we simply need to raise the bar and anticipate evolving technology.”
Carabott added: “Working with smartphone security experts BlackBelt gives us complete confidence that we can continue to help our customers protect their personal information when they recycle their handset or tablet with Mazuma Mobile.”
The system will be rolled out over the next six months.
