Why Data Security

Why Data Security?

Why should I destroy my data?

Your data security is important. Discarded or donated computers, copiers, and media disks are a principle source of information for identity thieves. These items may seem like trash when you no longer need them, but scammers know their value as rich archives of confidential data.

Proper data security is a crucial element in preventing identity theft.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that identity theft was among the top three categories of fraud reported in 2017, most commonly occurring through credit card fraud. If e-waste (old electronics) isn’t securely recycled in the U.S. or is shipped overseas (a practice used by a majority of U.S. recycling companies), identity thieves can buy hundreds of hard drives and media disks at a time, fishing though them for Social Security numbers, bank account details, birth certificate copies, online passwords, passport photos, and addresses — all the personal data they need to create new identities, apply for credit cards, take out loans, and empty bank accounts.

How can I protect my data?

You probably know how to keep your data safe on systems and devices that you use regularly. But data has a longer life cycle than most people realize. Deleting it from a hard drive won’t remove it completely. Data is only gone once the hard disk has been either written over at least seven times with Department of Defense (DOD) compliant data erasing software or physically destroyed.

GreenCitizen’s data security services are guaranteed to irreversibly destroy your personal information on discarded electronics. Please email pickup@greencitizen.com for more details.

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