Tech Talk

TECH TALK With Bob The Computer Guy: “Don’t Trash Your Identity”

I am happy to report that ever since I started offering cybersecurity services to our clients, many people have become more aware of their digital security practices and are taking measures to better protect themselves online. Now remember, there is no silver bullet or guaranteed solution to being 100% secure online. However, implementing better online practices will make your digital world safer and make it harder for internet criminals to target you, exploit you, and wreak havoc in your real world.

I have seen people employ great security practices to protect their business and personal data. But then they turn around and personally hand over their computer’s data to anyone for the taking. How does this happen? What do you do with your old computer when you get a new one? You would be surprised how many people throw their old computers into the trash. If you do this, your trash becomes a potential security risk to you.

First, never throw your old tech items into the trash. These components need to be disposed of properly and responsibly because they usually contain elements that are not safe for the environment. In addition, most municipalities have laws and impose fines regarding the proper/ improper disposal of these items. Second, your discarded computer has a disk drive in it (hard disk drive/solid state drive) that stores your information, including your personal data. Even if you delete your personal files, there are still methods cyber criminals can use to extract data that you thought was erased. Therefore, your old computer sitting by the curb or in a dumpster can be intercepted by multiple people, who will rummage through your trash, from the time you throw it out to the time it gets to the landfill.

So let me explain the process that we use. First, we remove the disk drive mounted inside the computer that actually stores all the information that was ever processed on that computer. It is usually in the form of a hard disk drive or solid-state drive. We then disassemble and dispose of the remaining components through industry channels we have in place. At this point all that is left is the old disk drive. We place that drive into an industrialstrength metal shredder that converts your old drive into a pile of rubble. This way you have a quick and easy way to dispose of your old environmentally toxic computer. Plus, you also have peace of mind knowing that the data that was on your old computer is safe and inaccessible because your computer has been dismantled and its disk drive is no longer in one piece. Call Bob

now at 727-534-4000 to discuss the secure and safe disposal of your old computer.

Cyber criminals will exploit the easy, unprotected systems. Protecting your data is your responsibility, however my staff and I are always here to help you navigate through these cumbersome and often confusing tasks. If you are not sure your system is safe, please have it looked over by a professionally certified computer technician. If

you’re looking for a certified professional, call us now at 727-534-

4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades.

We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World!