Properly erasing data from technology before returning it is important to prevent accidental or malicious access to personal or sensitive information. This can include research data, login credentials, financial information, and other private data that could be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes. Failing to erase data properly could lead to serious consequences such as data breaches or compromise of personal and institutional security. Therefore, it is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure that all data is securely erased before returning any equipment.