If you are planning on trading in your old PC for a new one, here is something to consider. What happens to the data that is on there? nothing...which puts you at risk. It is very important that when you dispose of hardware to make sure that data is properly disposed of first. There are a couple ways to do this: Physical destruction or Data destruction through software. Remember that even if you format the drive, there may still be recoverable data especially if it hasn't been physically written over.
One way to know is to take out the hard drive and take a good drill to it and punch a few holes in it.
Another way is to download software that essentially "corrupts" all the data that is present by writing over it with random characters. There are several programs out there that have free versions which will suffice for a home or small business (that doesn't store customers personal info) PC. The products that you pay for to do this are more for regulated businesses (PCI compliance, for example) or businesses with highly coveted information. These programs meet DOD (Dept of Defense) requirements for Data distruction and are a good idea.
These steps may seem extreme, but it has been found that Identity Thieves look for hardware like this to farm information. don't leave it to chance.
You especially want to do this if you are planning on donating the equipment.
It is sad that we have to take such measures these days, but such is the way with Technology and the information age.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment