If you have old computers or laptops that you no longer need and are considering donating, recycling or selling them to free up office space, you should be aware of the private information stored on the hard drives. From photos and financial data to confidential documents, browsing history and passwords, your data is vulnerable if you don't completely erase or destroy the drive.
The risk of unprotected data
Cybercriminals are extremely smart and will do anything to steal personal information, whether it is Social Security numbers, credit card information, or identification. Not only is there a risk that this information will be sold for criminal purposes, but it could also be used to commit other illegal crimes, such as fraud, identity theft, or extortion.
Destroying hard drives is the best way to protect your data
When throwing away a computer or hard drive, deleting files or performing a factory reset is not enough to protect your confidential files as data recovery software can reconstruct information. The easiest and most effective way to protect your privacy is through the process ofshredding hard drives.
This kind of secure destruction of informationphysically destroysthe drive using a powerful shredder specifically designed to break down hard drives, backup tapes and mobile data devices. It works by completely crushing and destroying every part of the device into small pieces so that your confidential data can never be recovered, reconstructed or stolen.
What does it mean to erase a hard drive?
Wiping a computer's hard drive differs from shredding because it simply deletes all stored information while leaving the physical hard drive intact. This is also different from moving documents to the Recycle Bin or Recycle Bin because the files, even though they are hidden, remain on the device.
In many cases, deleted files can be recovered quite easily, as most computer operating systems only delete links to the data. Regaining access to the deleted data is as easy as recovering the deleted links, which can be done with data recovery software.
How to erase your hard drive
To wipe a computer's hard drive, you need to use special data deletion software that permanently deletes its contents so that your personal files cannot be recovered. This process can take several hours depending on the size of the drive, how much information is stored on the drive, and the type of operating system, such as Windows or Mac OS.
Before you wipe your computer's hard drive, it's important that you back up any files you want to keep on an external hard drive, another computer, or with a secure cloud storage service. Once the hard drive is erased, you may not be able to recover this information.
What programs erase hard drives?
There are many paid and free programs you can download to wipe the hard drive of your Windows PC or Mac computer. Most use a special formatting that overwrites the deleted files with zeros and other incomprehensible data. This makes it virtually impossible for data recovery software to recover the deleted information.
Whatever data erasing software you use, it's important that you follow the step-by-step process to ensure you select the specific files or partitions you want to erase. If this is not done correctly, there is a risk of leaving information on the drive, such as passwords, search history or personal files.
Don't leave your confidential information to chance
When it comes to hard drive security, physical destruction is the only way to be 100% sure that your confidential information does not fall into the wrong hands. Delete, reformat, erase ordemagnetization of old hard drivesis simply not enough to protect your data. When hard drives are left physically intact, there is a risk that your personal data can be recovered by cyber attackers.
Choose Blue-Pencil for secure hard drive destruction
You can feel safe knowing that your electronic devices are safely destroyed and disposed of properly with Blue-Pencil's on-site, fast hard drive destruction services. Our advanced, professional equipment uses cross shredders that instantly destroy a hard drive into 5/8 inch pieces, making data recovery 100% impossible. This method also followsNAID AAA Certification Rules.
Following your on-site service, your organization will receive an official certificate of destruction with scanned serial numbers for each hard drive destroyed. All shredded material is then sent to a secure facility for separationenvironmentally responsible disposal. You never have to worry about your computer hard drives or confidential data ending up in the landfill or in the possession of information thieves.
For more information about Blue-Pencil digital media and hard drive destruction, please contact our customer service team for afree offer.
