Hard Disk Sanitation for Recycyling
Posted in Freecycle, Security on June 20, 2008 at 11:05 am
A friend (no really) has a couple of PC’s they want to pass on but the friend is an accountant (see it is a friend & not me) and they want to make sure the disks are sanitised of any confidential data before they let them go. I had a google and came up with eraser at http://www.heidi.ie/node/6 . Is it safe idea to use freeware for your security?
I’d go for the “boot nuke disk” but I guess that leaves no OS for the next user. Still that resolves any licence issues too. Any other suggestions as to what to use and how?
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Loading ...Comment by Matt - June 20, 2008 on 12:38 pm
Eraser has a pretty good reputation, but “in situ” erasing always has an element of doubt compared to a full nuke, things may be hiding in obscure registry keys, for instance.
DBAN - http://dban.sourceforge.net/ is perhaps the best known full disk eraser.
If install media belonging to the system are available, it is far better to fully erase and reload, preferebly with the media slipstreamed to the latest available release.
Before erasing, recover any keys that need to be saved, in case they bhave been mislaid (magical Jellybean keyfinder).
It will quite likely take less time to nuke and re-install, than to go through with a fine tooth comb to eliminate anything of concern, and the result will be lean clean machine, instead of one weaiched down by accumalated bloat and leftovers.
Comment by Dan Jones - June 20, 2008 on 1:08 pm
Agree with above - use DBAN, its as miltary standard if used in right way. Of course OS needs reinstall after - but small price to pay for a completely clean PC
Comment by davef - June 20, 2008 on 3:18 pm
Cheers guys. Now do I pass on this info as my own knowledge or just point them here?
Which is better for my ego, looking clever or getting more blog hits? I think I’ll go with the blog - they know me too well to fool them with the “I’m clever”…
Pingback by IT PRO: Blogs: Dave F: How many computers are obsoleted each year? - August 18, 2008 on 11:22 am
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