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Hard Disk: Wipe Private Data for Good

If youve got a stack of old hard disks just waiting to be sold, donated, or recycled, then youll want to make sure that theres no sensitive information remaining on them. To highlight the importance of this point, there have been many instances (particularly with eBay) where confidential information has been passed on without proper disk erasing procedures being performed. A recent study carried out by BTs Security Research Centre found that 34% of the hard disks they purchased on eBay had sensitive data on them that could be used to identify a person or company. In fact, one particular hard disk contained the procedures for a US military missile air defence system! With this in mind, its therefore essential that you properly erase your personal information before passing on your old equipment. To help make sure that youre private data remains just that, this article focuses on a number of ways that you can securely wipe the data from your storage devices. Youll also find the free software on this website essential in maintaining the confidentiality of your information at all times.

Category: Internet & Security
Issue: 2010 Issue 7 October/November
Operating Systems: XP, Vista, 7
Article Reference: H19