Most Companies Don't Properly Delete Sensitive Data

In a previous post, I emphasized that simply deleting a file from a hard drive before disposing of it or selling it is not enough. If the file is not securely wiped from the hard drive with digital shredding software, the file may be retrieved if it falls into the hands of someone tech savvy enough. This may not seem like a big deal, but with people doing their banking and making purchases on their computers or storing tax records, it is extremely important that your data is securely removed before the computer or hard drive changes hands. Otherwise, the information you leave on the machine can be used to make you an identity theft victim.

This is even more important for companies that use computers to store credit card numbers, insurance information, or medical records. Companies that upgrade must be sure that old data is securely wiped before the machine is given away or sold. According to ScienceDaily, the number of second-hand hard drives that have been securely wiped has fallen to 33%. This puts the customers with information on those machines at risk of identity theft.

I'm not sure whether to be disappointed or extremely concerned. Granted, companies don't need to upgrade their computer hardware everyday, but the fact that we have second hand computers out there containing credit card or insurance information isn't exactly encouraging. After all, more and more people are acquiring the technical skills that would help them retrieve this information, especially kids growing up in this information age.

Keep your data safe and wipe those hard drives before getting rid of them. It's a small price to pay to prevent identity theft.