Data
Disposal: A Crushing Problem?
April 19, 2006
Title: Data Disposal: A Crushing Problem?
Author: Deborah Asbrand
Publication & date of publication: Desktop Pipeline, July 14, 2005
Executive Summary: This article discusses data
disposal for obsolete Pc’s. This article begins describing the data disposal methods of an individual named Dan Kronstadt. Dan’s tool of choice is stored in his garage with his other tools. His preferred method of safely destroying data is to pull out his trusty sledge hammer. Dan chooses to remove his hard drive from his outdated Pc and
destroy them with his sledge hammer before he sends it all off to the recycling plant.
Today’s data storage hardware is measured in millimeters, i.e. USB thumb drives. Although data storage technology has reduced in size, there are plenty of people who have cartons and closets full of out dated removable media from earlier eras. Owners of these media are finding comfort in disk-wiping software for their hard drives, but more permanent out-of-date and hard-to-access zip disks, 3.5 inch diskettes, tapes and smart cards, etc. Reports of personal records being found on used equipment have concerned Pc users. Due to the disposal needs which will inevitably reach critical mass and the commercial opportunity, new alternatives have come available for consumer data disposal.
Some of these data disposal options are:
CD/DVD shredders
Pc makers offer trade-in programs
Disk-wiping software
Pulverization
Pulverization is the most effective form of data disposal that will guarantee security. PcDisposal.com of Kansas will destroy and send a certification confirming the destruction or the erase and disposal based on EPA standards. Another company TechDisposal.com located in Columbus, Ohio, hammer destroys dead hard drives, so the data can no longer be read. This company goes a few steps further and bends the hard drive in six different places then send the hard drive to the refinery for recycling.
Conclusion:
Just as Dan Kronstadt, pulling one’s hard drive and destroying it yourself will always ensure that one’s personal security needs are met. For larger entities, such as corporations, who might not have incorporated a department to destroy data into their business structure utilizing outsourcing of such tasks can ensure piece of mind for the organization, its employees and its stakeholders.
Reference
Asbrand D., 2005, Data Disposal: A Crushing Problem? Retrieved April 19, 2006 from http://www.desktoppipeline.com/165702277