[Hidden-tech] Re: Recycling dead computers?

[Jan Werner]

Don't know about Macs, but for PCs there are many programs that can be 
booted from a CD that will allow you to wipe a hard drive to DOD and 
other security standards. Among programs I use, both Acronis True Image 
and Paragon Hard Disk Manager do this, and I'm sure there are plenty of 
others for both Windows and Linux.

So unless one is caching a copy of Osama Bin Laden's memoirs on their 
hard drive and thinks the NSA may be on to them, I don't understand why 
anyone would want to physically destroy a hard disk rather than just 
wipe it securely and donate the whole computer to a good cause.

Being a good guy and installing a clean copy of either Windows or Linux 
on a wiped drive will just make it even harder for anyone to try to 
recover anything from it, if such were even possible to begin with.

Jan Werner
____________

Florent Eric Paredes wrote:
>    ** The author of this post was a Good Dobee.
>    ** You too can help the group
>    ** Fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
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> 
> Being exposed to heavy metal fumes ( Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Lead) is the
> cost of nailing a hard drive if you nail the electronic board. So stay away
> from potential heavy metal poisoning and toxicity, leave the board intact,
> your data is not on the board.
> 
> Instead nail the metallic side until you hear the inside disc(s) break like
> glass. If some cases the drive has 2 metallic sides just guess what side the
> board is on looking at the connectors and nail the other side.
> Watch your fingers:)
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> From: Chris Woods <cswoods at gmail.com>
>> Reply-To: <csw at alumni.unh.edu>
>> Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 20:08:06 -0400
>> To: <Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net>
>> Subject: Re: [Hidden-tech] Re: Recycling dead computers?
>>
>>    ** The author of this post was a Good Dobee.
>>    ** You too can help the group
>>    ** Fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>>    ** If you did, we all thank you.
>>
>>
>> A few more points to consider with regards to computer recycling and
>> data security.
>>
>> There are many ways your data may be at risk. Phishing and social
>> engineering attacks are probably the most common. Intrusion by an
>> unauthorized user tends to get the most attention (TJX, Hannaford's,
>> Harvard, etc) but are fairly difficult and thus less common but not
>> insignificant. Theft of the hardware is fairly common, particularly
>> laptops. Scavenging trash bins or recycling containers is common and
>> requires no technical expertise. Somewhere in the middle of this pack
>> is scanning discarded or re-sold hard disks in terms of complexity and
>> risk.
>>
>> In general, something like Mac OS X secure erase will protect your
>> data from disclosure but you need to be certain it worked properly. In
>> my personal experience I've encountered one instance where I could not
>> completely wipe the drive with it. Using a hammer and nail to destroy
>> the disk ensures that data cannot be recovered. It has the benefit of
>> being simple, cheap, and readily available to most people. For this
>> reason, I advocate it.
>>
>> There are many charities that collect and refurbish used computing
>> equipment. Obviously these charities would prefer you not to
>> physically destroy your hard disk. I certainly do not discourage
>> anyone from donating to these charities although I do encourage
>> individuals concerned about security (more about why you should be
>> concerned below) to swap the used disk for a new one. Hard disks can
>> be had for as little as $50 which is cheap for the security and peace
>> of mind it provides and no more expensive than many 'security'
>> software packages that provide far less security. For an installed OS,
>> I cheerfully recommend Linux as a free alternative to the Windows and
>> Mac OS's.
>>
>> It's one thing to take a calculated risk with your own information,
>> for businesses, the are laws that govern how they can dispose of
>> computer equipment that contained personal data. Failing to properly
>> dispose of that equipment can result in substantial penalties, loss of
>> reputation, and legal action. I certainly encourage business owners to
>> donate their used equipment as well. Businesses, particularly larger
>> ones that have IT departments, might very well be able to securely
>> erase their drives prior to donation. Some smaller business may not
>> have a skilled IT staff and I would encourage them to swap the used
>> drive for a new one. Again the legal consideration is paramount.
>>
>> Finally, data theft accounts for billions in lost resources each year.
>> Ensuring proper disposal and protection of personal data will lower
>> transaction costs, reduce lawsuits, and lower the cost of goods and
>> services. These are real resources that are lost through a combination
>> of criminal behavior, indifference, ignorance, and incompetence.
>> People have, and continue, to lose their homes, pensions, savings, and
>> businesses because of it. By working to prevent data theft those
>> resources might be redirected towards making the world a better place.
>>
>> Meantime, let's not make it an either/or (charity/security). We can have both.
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