The Hidden Risk of Old Network Equipment: Why Secure Disposal of Edge Devices Matters

By Clint Parsons, Director of Strategic Partnerships at SEAM

When upgrading IT equipment, most businesses focus on replacing laptops, servers, or hard drives. But what happens to old routers, firewalls, and other network gear? If you’re simply tossing them in a storage room, selling them, or recycling them without secure data destruction, you could be exposing your business to serious security risks.

Edge devices—the hardware that manages network traffic and connects your systems to the internet—are becoming one of the biggest security concerns in IT today. These devices don’t just stop working when they’re retired; they retain sensitive configurations, login credentials, and even network access that attackers can exploit.

So whether you’re an IT professional looking to decommission old networking hardware, or a business upgrading network security equipment, here’s what you need to know about safely upgrading, reselling, or disposing of edge devices—and how to protect your organization from cyber threats.

What is an Edge Device? (And Why Should You Care?)

An edge device is any hardware that sits at the perimeter of a network, controlling traffic between internal systems and external connections like the internet or cloud services. These devices help keep your network secure and efficient, but when they’re outdated or improperly disposed of, they become prime targets for cyberattacks.

• Firewalls – Filter incoming and outgoing traffic to protect against cyber threats.
• Routers – Direct internet traffic to devices within your business.
• Switches – Manage communication between computers, printers, and other connected devices.
• IoT Devices – Smart cameras, industrial sensors, and other connected devices that collect data.
• VPN Gateways – Securely connect remote employees to your network.
• Wireless Access Points – Enable Wi-Fi connections for employees and guests.

These devices store network credentials, security settings, and sensitive data—even after they’re removed from use. Without proper disposal, they could be exploited by hackers, competitors, or malicious insiders.

Why Old Edge Devices Are a Growing Security Risk

As businesses become more connected, edge devices are expanding the attack surface, making them harder to protect. Here are the top security risks:

• Stored Credentials & Network Configurations – Many devices retain admin credentials, security settings, and IP addresses after decommissioning. If resold or improperly disposed of, they could provide a direct entry point into your company’s network.
• Outdated Firmware & Security Patches – Many manufacturers stop providing updates for older networking devices, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Unpatched security flaws can be exploited, even if a device is no longer in active use.
• Limited Security Features – Some networking devices weren’t built with security in mind. Firewalls, routers, and IoT devices often lack strong encryption, authentication measures, or proper logging—increasing the risk of a breach.
• Expanded Attack Surface – Edge devices often operate outside traditional security perimeters, making them harder to monitor. Without proper tracking, a forgotten or neglected device could be an open backdoor into your network.
• Lack of Inventory Control – You can’t protect what you don’t know about. Many organizations don’t have a full inventory of networking devices, leading to unknown vulnerabilities on the network.
• Compliance Violations – Businesses in healthcare, finance, and government must ensure old IT assets are properly wiped or destroyed to remain compliant with HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and NIST standards. Failure to do so could lead to fines, lawsuits, or data breaches.

If your company is selling used networking equipment, recycling old routers, or upgrading security appliances, it’s essential to securely erase all sensitive data before disposal.

How to Securely Dispose of Edge Devices

The safest way to upgrade, sell, or dispose of old IT hardware is to work with a certified IT asset disposition (ITAD) provider like SEAM. We specialize in secure data destruction for networking equipment and ensure that your old devices don’t become a security liability.

Here’s how SEAM protects your business when disposing of networking gear:

• Certified Data Sanitization – We use industry-approved methods to wipe all stored configurations, credentials, and network logs from edge devices.
• Physical Destruction (If Necessary) – If a device cannot be securely wiped, we shred or dismantle it to ensure no data remains accessible.
• Compliance Documentation – We provide a certificate of destruction for businesses that need proof of compliance for data security regulations.
• Responsible Materials Recovery – If a device is still functional, we process it for resale or materials recovery in a way that prioritizes security and responsible disposal.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Old Edge Devices Become a Backdoor for Hackers

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and outdated networking equipment is now a prime target for attackers. If your organization isn’t properly decommissioning old firewalls, routers, or IoT devices, you could be exposing sensitive business data, login credentials, and network access without even realizing it.

Before you sell, recycle, or dispose of networking equipment, make sure you’re doing it the right way—with certified ITAD services that prioritize security. Contact SEAM to learn how we can help.

Clint Parsons is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at SEAM, specializing in building partnerships with businesses of all sizes. He ensures clients effectively navigate secure data destruction, responsible recycling, and maximize the resale value of their IT equipment while staying compliant with evolving regulations.