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.

Identity Theft and Deleting Stored Data

What does your bank do with their computers when they upgrade their equipment? What about your doctor or dentist? Why is this important? The computers used by your bank, your doctor, and other places where you do regular business have important information stored in databases on their computers. When they upgrade and move this data to another machine, are the proper precautions taken to completely format these hard drives so that this information can not be retrieved by a tech savvy computer user who might purchase this now used computer. If files are not permanently deleted, these companies could be exposing their customers to identity theft.

Personal data is frequently being exposed because files with personal data are not fully deleted from business computers. What about your own computer using habits? Do you make sure files with your own personal or financial information are securely deleted from your hard drive when you buy new equipment? And what happens to that old computer? Do you sell it on Ebay or pass it on to a friend or relative? Don't tempt fate. Anyone can be an identity thief with the proper information and motivation.