We all know that before you throw out your PC, give it away, or send it to be recycled, there's one thing you should always do: delete any pernephewal information. But if anything, it's even more vital to get rid of data stored on computers you use for work. And while you're at it, you'd better dispose of your old mobile phone correctly- because that's crammed with information about you too.
The Birthday Present
When his sister Rhoda turned eighteen, Andrew's employers at WardCo were happy to let him give the birthday boy a former company laptop as a present - they'd erased all the important files, and as Andrew was a trusted employee of many years' standing, it seemed perfectly safe.
Happy To Help
Andrew was happy to be able to help his sister, who got not only a PC but software too- all of it ready to use, and for free. Since Andrew knew his sister wouldn't use it for anything illegal, he saw no need to be over-cautious.
Passing It On
A few months down the line, though, Rhoda got a great deal on a brand new laptop. With the old laptop now going spare, she was glad of the chance to help out her friend Val, whose nephew Joe was studying computer science and needed a laptop of his own.
Honesty
Rhoda deleted her personal data from the laptop and donated it to Joe, just as Andrew had given it to her. The only trouble was that her friend's nephew wasn't as trustworthy as she thought.
Complaints
Even though Rhoda and WardCo had erased their information, it wasn't hard for someone like Joe, with a little computer knowledge, to retrieve it. And a few months after she gave Tim the laptop, WardCo started getting complaints from its customers about items they'd ordered - and paid for - but never received.
Losses
Andrew's 'good turn' ended up costing WardCo thousands of pounds. Even though they didn't lose any money of their own, they did lose the confidence of several major customers, who took their business elsewhere.
What Went Wrong?
Donating computers is great for the people who receive them- and the environment- but if you don't make sure any sensitive data's been removed it can leave you wide open to attack from fraudsters. Just one computer in the wrong hands cost Andrew's company thousands, but imagine the potential consequences if you've just upgraded your company's computer system and have dozens to donate.
When Deleting Is Not Enough
Deleting files, or even reformatting the hard drive, won't completely secure your company against fraud as criminals can retrieve deleted files. If they're tech-savvy enough, they can undo formatting too.
Destruction Is Safest
To be sure of protecting your business, destroy the computer's hard drive- and that goes too for employee mobile phones if they've been used to go on the internet. They'll retain information accessed online - such as phone numbers, passwords and potentially sensitive data. To keep that information out of the wrong hands, destruction is the only safe option.
The Birthday Present
When his sister Rhoda turned eighteen, Andrew's employers at WardCo were happy to let him give the birthday boy a former company laptop as a present - they'd erased all the important files, and as Andrew was a trusted employee of many years' standing, it seemed perfectly safe.
Happy To Help
Andrew was happy to be able to help his sister, who got not only a PC but software too- all of it ready to use, and for free. Since Andrew knew his sister wouldn't use it for anything illegal, he saw no need to be over-cautious.
Passing It On
A few months down the line, though, Rhoda got a great deal on a brand new laptop. With the old laptop now going spare, she was glad of the chance to help out her friend Val, whose nephew Joe was studying computer science and needed a laptop of his own.
Honesty
Rhoda deleted her personal data from the laptop and donated it to Joe, just as Andrew had given it to her. The only trouble was that her friend's nephew wasn't as trustworthy as she thought.
Complaints
Even though Rhoda and WardCo had erased their information, it wasn't hard for someone like Joe, with a little computer knowledge, to retrieve it. And a few months after she gave Tim the laptop, WardCo started getting complaints from its customers about items they'd ordered - and paid for - but never received.
Losses
Andrew's 'good turn' ended up costing WardCo thousands of pounds. Even though they didn't lose any money of their own, they did lose the confidence of several major customers, who took their business elsewhere.
What Went Wrong?
Donating computers is great for the people who receive them- and the environment- but if you don't make sure any sensitive data's been removed it can leave you wide open to attack from fraudsters. Just one computer in the wrong hands cost Andrew's company thousands, but imagine the potential consequences if you've just upgraded your company's computer system and have dozens to donate.
When Deleting Is Not Enough
Deleting files, or even reformatting the hard drive, won't completely secure your company against fraud as criminals can retrieve deleted files. If they're tech-savvy enough, they can undo formatting too.
Destruction Is Safest
To be sure of protecting your business, destroy the computer's hard drive- and that goes too for employee mobile phones if they've been used to go on the internet. They'll retain information accessed online - such as phone numbers, passwords and potentially sensitive data. To keep that information out of the wrong hands, destruction is the only safe option.
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