Before you toss out that old computer, make sure that you erase the hard drive completely. A trashed computer is a gold mine for identity and data thieves. So unless you take the proper steps to ensure that all data has been erased from a hard drive before it leaves your office, you may be opening the door to a security breach.
When you delete a file on your computer, it doesn't really go away. Your computer simply marks the space that the file occupies as available. Until you actually write a new file over that space, the data is still there.
What kind of information has been mined from discarded drives?
- Medical Records
- X-Ray Images
- Military Data
- Personal Financial Information
- Details of Business Negotiations
Erase a Hard Drive Completely: The Techie Way
There are two basic methods of removing data from a hard drive: the techie way, and the low tech way.The techie way involves using a software program designed to completely erase a drive. Forget any method that involves big magnets. They don't work.
One popular (and free) program is called Darick's Boot and Nuke (DBAN). DBAN creates a bootable drive that automatically reaches out and erases any drive it can access. Give your computer one good dose of DBAN and it's safe to throw away.
Erase a Hard Drive Completely: The Low Tech Way
To completely erase a hard drive the low tech way, simply take a hammer and smash it to smithereens. No, this doesn't really erase the data, but it does render it unreadable. Use any creative method you want. As long as you destroy the platters inside the drive, you'll be safe. But please, wear safety glasses.
Conclusion
A discarded drive is a significant security threat. You have several methods at your disposal to completely erase a hard drive, so use one of them before you discard out that old pc.
