Is there any inherent security risk in simply dropping off my old desktops at the dump? Are there any precautions I need to take to protect my data? TIA.
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When I’ve gotten rid of old computers, I’ve always removed the hard drive and held onto it. I have Two reasons for doing so:Is there any inherent security risk in simply dropping off my old desktops at the dump? Are there any precautions I need to take to protect my data? TIA.
I don't know if people are dumpster diving or dump diving for old computers, but as with the post above, i usually remove the hard drive and destroy the hard drive's "working" parts.Is there any inherent security risk in simply dropping off my old desktops at the dump? Are there any precautions I need to take to protect my data? TIA.
Is there any inherent security risk in simply dropping off my old desktops at the dump? Are there any precautions I need to take to protect my data? TIA.
Lol, must be fun.I use a construction nail gun!
Yep, I’ve done that.Drill holes in the hard drive then throw them away
Fort Meade is only twenty minutes away...Yep, I’ve done that.
I’ve read that the NSA and other such spooky Federal departments wipe their old drives X number of times, take the platters out and grind them to bits, and then bury those bits in a landfill that is STILL kept secured and guarded.
I wouldn’t trouble myself with going quite that far
So it's safe to assume you aren't the guy with the bitcoins in the landfill.When I’ve gotten rid of old computers, I’ve always removed the hard drive and held onto it. I have Two reasons for doing so:
1. Any personal information remains with the hard drive (and me). This is the primary reason for me.
2. If I discover later that I need to retrieve something, I can conceivably retrieve that data / information from the old hard drive.
Thank you for this question. I have three laptops and two desk top computers that no longer function. I kept them because they contain personal information. I'm going out to buy a nail gun.
Is there any inherent security risk in simply dropping off my old desktops at the dump? Are there any precautions I need to take to protect my data? TIA.
Throw it off a bridge near Lewisburg like my friend Ray.Is there any inherent security risk in simply dropping off my old desktops at the dump? Are there any precautions I need to take to protect my data? TIA.
That’s what my grandson told me he does. He removes the hard drive. Disposes of the computer. Then he burns the hard drive and puts what’s left in the trash.Hard drives go in the fire pit.
Hard drives go in the fire pit.
Although that explains a few thingsNo. Hard drives contain toxic materials which you don't want to breathe or release to the atmosphere.
I have an old Teac D-1 Head Demagnetizer I purchased to degauss an old Sony real to real in the early 1970's. Any techies know if that would completely erase the data?Is there any inherent security risk in simply dropping off my old desktops at the dump? Are there any precautions I need to take to protect my data? TIA.
Never gave it much thought before this thread. Have to protect my conversations with SJLuvsLions!Is there any inherent security risk in simply dropping off my old desktops at the dump? Are there any precautions I need to take to protect my data? TIA.
That device would probably have no effect on a sealed hard drive, the magnetic field is not that strong. If applied directly to a platter it might but a strong magnet would do the same.I have an old Teac D-1 Head Demagnetizer I purchased to degauss an old Sony real to real in the early 1970's. Any techies know if that would completely erase the data?
I like to take apart the hdd and remove the neodymium magnets. Some of the strongest permanent magnets out there.
Wut?No. Hard drives contain toxic materials which you don't want to breathe or release to the atmosphere.
Wut?
What would I do without you? I had zero clue burning one of these things was bad. You the man.Go ahead, burn one. Just make sure to stand over it and take nice deep breaths.