Hey everyone! I recently upgraded our network and now I'm left with several Fortinet 101E units that are nearing their end of life, in addition to some HP switches. Since these devices don't have much financial value at this point, I'm looking for the easiest and most secure method to clean and dispose of them. I'm a junior system engineer, so any straightforward suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
3 Answers
Connecting via serial cable, interrupting the boot process, and formatting the boot device could also be options for securely erasing data. Just make sure you've backed up everything important before proceeding!
Selling these older models on sites like eBay can be an option, but I wouldn't recommend it since they don't hold value being end-of-life products. If you do decide to erase data, look up guides like formatting the hard disk or using TFTP for a firmware reinstall to overwrite the old data. Additionally, consider a trusted disposal service that can provide certification for proper disposal.
For a quick clean, I usually just wipe down the exterior of my devices with a microfiber cloth. It doesn't do much for the data on the inside but keeps them looking good!
I've given older firewalls to hobbyists who enjoy experimenting with them. They get a useful device while you clear out your inventory!