Considerations

Several Business or Personal Questions to Consider

Q: I DELETED, ERASED, and/or FORMATTED the computer. Is it safe to sell, trade-in, or discard my computer?

A: Probably NOT

Dramatic changes are occurring as we enter the Technological Age. Our existence has mandated changes, resulting in our participation in the electronic world. Everyone has personal and confidential information stored in computers.  The pivotal question, How safe is the data?

The disclosure of data stored on a computer can result in astronomical liability claims, years of turmoil for the individuals or businesses, including the disruption or loss of valuable time and expense to identify how the confidentiality was breached and the minimization of future hardship.

All too often we believe the computer is similar to a filing cabinet where written documents are stored. The difference is when we remove the paper from the file cabinet it is gone. However, in the computer when you erase, delete or format the media, the data merely changes its form, and can be easily restored, reproduced, and distributed.

Q: IS IT DIFFICULT TO RESTORE DELETED FILES and/or  IS SPECIAL EQUIPMENT OR PROGRAMS and SKILL NECESSARY TO RECOVER COMPUTER FILES?

A: NO

Q: Who will be affected when someone inappropriately obtains confidential information?

           Q: What types of information is stored on computer media?

           Q: Am I at risk?

Review the following five categories and evaluate your risk.  What measures should have been taken to protect yourself and others?

Individual:

(PIN) personal identification numbers, date of birth, social security number, complete identity of your children, spouse, parents, adoption records, personal data including your address, telephone numbers, bank records, credit card account information, investments, personal property, etc,

Professional

Attorney/client, Doctor/patient, Clergy, confidential records, business plans

Businessman

Trade secrets, payroll records, email, assets, profit and loss statements, employee evaluation reports, business acquisitions, daily planner, goals and objectives, client lists, etc.

Student

Research projects, thesis, prospective employment opportunities, records of student loans, etc.

Homeowner

Personal profiles including banking, credit card, and tax records, earnings, assets, shopping habits, vehicle information, family and friends, etc.