BISMARCK, N.D. (KXNET) — Nobody wants to lose their cell phone, but the risks of doing so can be far greater than just a lack of their convenience. Many people keep personal data, both important and risque, on their mobile devices... but as a recent study shows, even those taking their technology to recycle may be in danger of leaking their most private information. In a survey of 3,000 respondents, HostingAdvice sought to estimate how many people are leaving their personal data vulnerable every year. Here, they discovered that just over a quarter of Americans (26%) surveyed do not erase the content from devices before disposing of their e-waste. This means that over 1.6 million devices make their way back into the market each year, often with the personal or intimate content of their previous owners. When broken down by state, the study noted that 18% of North Dakotans admitted to not wiping the data from their technology before submitting it for recycling — which equates to 2,712 individuals who hand over intimate content when doing so (even if it is without their knowledge). This is a much smaller number than states like Minnesota (where 46% of phone recyclers do not clear their data), but still more than South Dakota, which features only 8%. Are North Dakotans casualties in the cost of living crisis? Below is a list of the study's other main findings: When asked about the most sensitive data they have forgotten to remove from their phones, 39% stated it was passwords and logins. Another 22% mentioned leaving their social security number or personal ID on their phones. Other notable remaining data included intimate photos and videos (21%), followed by financial account details. On the subject of why people do not wipe their phones, over a third of the polled individuals (37%) stated that they simply forget, and 22% falsely assume that the recycling center will wipe it for them. Another 21% are simply unaware of how to do so, while 20% do not believe it is necessary. While the obvious solution to this problem is paying for a data-wiping service, US residents are split as to whether or not they would do so. 39% of respondents said they would be more likely to do so, but another 36% would not. One in five respondents state that they care less about their intimate photos being found than they do having all of their personal information discovered. 59% of those surveyed falsely believe that anyone who discovers personal information from someone else on a recycled device is legally required to wipe it, while the same number said they would trust a family member or friend to do the job before recycling. Thankfully, not everyone who has access to this information would necessarily take advantage of it: over half of the polled American say that if they discovered a stranger's device, they would delete their personal data before disposing of it. That being said, 11% still admitted they would try to access the data out of curiosity. At the end of the day, 52% of survey-takers say they have regretted not taking precautions with their personal data — stressing the importance of doing so before your phone has the opportunity to get lost or recycled. ‘It’s always best to totally clean a device before passing it on for recycling,” says Christina Lewis of HostingAdvice. “You never know who might find it, or see it, and so it’s just not worth the risk. Of course, having intimate pictures seen by strangers could be embarrassing, but having your financial data cloned or stolen is arguably worse.” To view the full study — including a set of infographics detailing data-wiping diligence across the United States — click here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW