NewsDude

You've read the headlines about PCs and laptops with sensitive information falling into the wrong hands -- and the aftermath of the data breach.
Symantec recently conducted a study and discovered one root of the problem -- PCs and laptops that aren't properly cleaned before they are donated or disposed of.
Symantec looked into the types of data being left behind on used computers donated to Goodwill. The firm recovered a wealth of confidential and/or sensitive business information from several computers, such as invoices, inventory lists, bank account records, a corporate organizational chart with name and titles, and even business e-mails.
Here's the rub: When files are deleted from a computer disk by the operating system, the content of the files is not erased. The operating system only deletes references to the files on the hard drive. The contents of these deleted files continue to be stored on the disk and can be easily restored with data-recovery utilities.
"If you want to maintain a secure IT environment and protect your company's digital assets, you need a system that properly disposes of computer assets," said Kevin Murray, director of product marketing at Symantec. "It's not just a matter of calling a computer-disposal firm or donating the computer to Goodwill. You need to find certified and tested solutions that completely wipe all data from the hardware device."
The First Steps
The very first step in properly disposing of a computer is to remove it from the network. Getting rid of active connections is the key, Murray said, because you want to make sure the computer stops drawing items from the network and stop mapping to the network.
Next, be sure to make a copy of pertinent information. Before donating a computer, go over the information not already on a network. Often, employees save drafts of documents they are working...

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