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Hard drive destruction 'crucial' | Hard drive destruction 'crucial' |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The only way to stop fraudsters stealing information from old computer hard drives is by destroying them completely, a study has found. | |
Computing magazine Which? recovered 22,000 "deleted" files from eight computers purchased on eBay. | |
Criminals source old computers from internet auction sites or in rubbish tips, to find users valuable details. | |
Freely available software can be used to recover files that users think they have permanently deleted. | Freely available software can be used to recover files that users think they have permanently deleted. |
The only solution, according to Which?, is complete destruction - and it recommends using a hammer. | The only solution, according to Which?, is complete destruction - and it recommends using a hammer. |
A number of recent cases have shown the dangers in disposing of second-hand equipment, from which details as well as other personal files can be retrieved. | A number of recent cases have shown the dangers in disposing of second-hand equipment, from which details as well as other personal files can be retrieved. |
"PCs contain more valuable personal information than ever as people increasingly shop online, use social networking sites and take digital photos," said Sarah Kidner, editor of Which?. | "PCs contain more valuable personal information than ever as people increasingly shop online, use social networking sites and take digital photos," said Sarah Kidner, editor of Which?. |
"Such information could bring identity thieves a hefty payday." | "Such information could bring identity thieves a hefty payday." |
"It sounds extreme, but the only way to be 100% safe is to smash your hard drive into smithereens." | "It sounds extreme, but the only way to be 100% safe is to smash your hard drive into smithereens." |