With its launching of the Trade In, Trade Up programme, Optus warned Aussies that nearly half of second-hand tech owners are exposed to private snaps and texts.

Hence, as precautionary means during trade-in, Optus reminded all owners to scrupulously erase their private data beforehand.

In a survey conducted by Optus, it revealed that 45 per cent of second-hand tech owners got an access to personal information left on devices that had been traded or recycled.

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

The survey found out that second-hand owners particularly get access to:

  • 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," warned Ben White, vice president, Mobile Marketing at Optus.

In order to be sure that all personal information are obliterated from discarded device, Optus came up of the following precautions:

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

Optus' Trade In, Trade Up programme is an option for those users who wanted a cheaper upgrade from their old devices. Instead of donating or discarding old device, Trade In, Trade Up allows users to a have the option for an affordable new phone contract.

"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," added Mr White.

Still, whether the users opted to just donate or trade their old device, Optus reiterated that the same precautionary method should be observed.