Data Protection: Hard Drive Destruction
Last of the Mohicans Style Hard Drive Destruction!
Do you plan on donating, recycling or selling your computer or laptop? Make sure to do the following things before the device leaves your possession. First, backup any data that you want saved onto an external storage device. Then verify that all of the data is saved and available on the external drive or device. This may seem like a no brainer, but more often than not, people forget to perform a full backup or an up-to-date backup -- only to realize this too late. Once the data is properly backed-up, the next step is to remove the hard drive. Hard drive removal may be difficult in some devices, as it may require the disassembly of the entire computer or laptop to gain access to the drive. Upon completing this step, you have 2 options: save the hard drive and keep it in a secure location or format the hard drive and then destroy it using a standard home tool, such as a hammer! Keep in mind that this is an at home, do it yourself method. Professional data destruction require a machine to crush and/or shred the hard drive, so that data can never be retrieved or reconstructed. Keep your private information away from data thieves, who can and will use that information for malicious intent.